The problem of punishment in a progressive society

Armstrong, S. (2018) The problem of punishment in a progressive society. Europe Now, 8 Nov.

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Publisher's URL: https://www.europenowjournal.org/2018/11/07/the-problem-of-punishment-in-a-progressive-society/

Abstract

This article considers the transatlantic travels of the concept of 'mass imprisoment' (or 'mass incarceration'). It argues it arose in the early 2000s to characterise the distinctively American trends of prison use in the 1980s and 1990s but has come to be used as a general gauge of prison population across Europe (and beyond) in current times. This skews the ability to critically understand prison practices in places that, by comparison to the US, seem progressive. The case of Scotland is explored in detail to show how a country otherwise considered welfarist, has adopted practices that have led to disproportionately heavy reliance on state criminal justice control.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Mass imprisonment, mass incarceration, US, Scotland, policy transfer.
Status:Published
Refereed:No
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Armstrong, Professor Sarah
Authors: Armstrong, S.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Research Group:Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research SCCJR
Journal Name:Europe Now

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