Criminalising Social Policy

Recent legislative and policy developments in contemporary Britain have ushered in a new approach to criminal justice. The focus on criminal dispositions and welfarism has given way to a strategy which now involves the management of social exclusion, dysfunctional and anti-social families and situational crime prevention, leading to what has been widely characterized as the 'criminalisation of social policy' - and evidenced most recently by the anti-social behaviour and respect agendas. This book is concerned to explore, analyse and explain these developments. It seeks at the same time to situate the study of anti-social behaviour and response to it in the wider context of changes in the industrial and social structure, social polarization and inequality and the changing role of the welfare state in present-day society. This book will be essential reading for students taking courses in criminology, sociology, criminal justice, social policy and related subjects.

John J. Rodger is reader in social policy and associate dean (learning and teaching) in the school of social sciences at the University of the West of Scotland.

Introduction: Outline of the Book  1. Criminalising Social Policy: Some General Observations  2. Incivility and Welfare in a De-civilised Society  3. Disorderly Behaviour and Underclass Culture: The Emergence of the 'Chav' and 'NEET' Generation  4. The Politics and Policy of Incivility  5. Family Life and Anti-social Behaviour  6. Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice  7. The Strategy for Civil Renewal and Community Safety  8. Fear of the Uncivil and the Criminal  9. Conclusion