Understanding 'quality' in probation practice: frontline perspectives in England and Wales

Robinson, G., Priede, C., Farrall, S., Shapland, J. and McNeill, F. (2014) Understanding 'quality' in probation practice: frontline perspectives in England and Wales. Criminology and Criminal Justice, 14(2), pp. 123-142. (doi: 10.1177/1748895813483763)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

In the context of ‘ordinary’ probation practice, quality is a contested concept, as well as an under-researched one. In this article we present the findings of a study which sought to capture, via interviews inspired by Appreciative Inquiry, the views of probation staff about the meaning(s) of ‘quality’ in probation practice. The interviews revealed a ‘frontline’ perspective on quality which has not previously been exposed or articulated as such. Drawing upon theoretical concepts developed by Bourdieu, it is argued that despite significant recent changes in the penal and probation fields in England and Wales, and some signs of adaptation in normative conceptions of probation work, there exists a culture or ‘probation habitus’ among frontline staff that is relatively cohesive and resilient.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McNeill, Professor Fergus
Authors: Robinson, G., Priede, C., Farrall, S., Shapland, J., and McNeill, F.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Journal Name:Criminology and Criminal Justice
Journal Abbr.:CCJ
Publisher:SAGE
ISSN:1748-8958
ISSN (Online):1748-8966

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record