The Culture of Control

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of crime control changes in Britain and America, exploring the cultural and political dynamics involved.

In The Culture of Control, David Garland explores the significant shifts in crime control and criminal justice that have taken place in Britain and America over the last 25 years. This book delves into the complex interactions between social organization and the evolving political and cultural landscapes, shedding light on how these factors have influenced the way governments and citizens perceive and respond to crime. By presenting a thorough analysis of contemporary crime control, Garland identifies the logics and rationalities that underpin these transformations, as well as the social relations and cultural sensibilities that have emerged in response to them.

The narrative unfolds a 'history of the present,' intertwining the development of the welfare state with the criminal justice system. Garland articulates a theory of social and penal change, emphasizing how the forces of late modernity have reshaped public policy, criminological thought, and the societal meaning of crime. Drawing on extensive research from both the UK and the USA, he illustrates the profound impact of social, economic, and cultural dynamics on the evolution of crime control strategies.

Ultimately, The Culture of Control seeks to explain the dramatic reconfiguration of our responses to crime and our understanding of criminal justice by the close of the 20th century. It examines the shifting policies surrounding crime, punishment, welfare, and security, while also addressing the changing class, race, and gender relations that influence these issues. This comprehensive analysis positions the book as an essential resource for understanding one of the most pressing challenges of contemporary society.