He is the author of Suburban Youth in Cultural Crisis (1979), Beyond Revolution: A New Theory of Social Movements (1986), and Comprehending Columbine (2007).

He met fellow sociologist Daniel A. Foss while teaching at Rutgers, and they later partnered in researching social movements.

[11][12] After the publication of his work Comprehending Columbine (which discussed possible cultural and societal causes for the Columbine High School massacre), Larkin was contacted by the press for comment on the massacre, and discussed a judge's decision to seal information and tapes containing information about the killers.

[13] Prior to writing the book, Larkin had given a seminar at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice's Center on Terrorism, entitled: "From Oklahoma City to Columbine: Paramilitary Influences on Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold.

"[14] Larkin is an adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York.