DAVID GARLAND CULTURE OF CONTROL - trunking

David Garland and The Culture of Control: A Deep Dive

David Garland's "The Culture of Control" (2001) is a highly influential work in criminology and sociology, exploring the significant shifts in crime control strategies and penal policies in late 20th-century Anglo-American societies. Garland argues that these societies experienced a transformation from a penal welfare model to a culture dominated by control, risk management, and expressive justice. His work examines the underlying social and cultural factors driving this change.

The Core Argument: From Penal Welfare to Culture of Control

Garland contends that traditional penal welfare systems, characterized by rehabilitation and social reintegration, began to decline due to rising crime rates, public anxieties, and a loss of faith in the state's ability to manage crime effectively. This decline paved the way for the emergence of what he calls the "culture of control."

This new culture emphasizes:

• Risk management: Focuses on identifying and managing potential offenders through techniques like profiling and predictive policing.
• Expressive justice: Prioritizes the emotional needs of victims and the public, often manifested in punitive sentencing and symbolic gestures of condemnation.
• Denial of the social causes of crime: Shifts the focus away from addressing socioeconomic factors that contribute to crime and toward individual responsibility. david freeman obituary

Factors Contributing to the Rise of the Culture of Control

Garland identifies several factors that contributed to this shift:

• Increased crime rates and fear of crime: Heightened public anxiety and a demand for more effective crime control measures.
• Erosion of social solidarity: A decline in community bonds and a growing sense of individual vulnerability.
• Political opportunism: Politicians capitalize on public fear and anxieties by advocating for tougher crime policies. david gardner obituary
• Media sensationalism: The media amplifies crime stories, further fueling public fear and anxiety.

Consequences of the Culture of Control

The culture of control has had several significant consequences:

• Mass incarceration: A dramatic increase in the prison population, particularly in the United States. You can learn more about this trend from the Wikipedia article on Mass Incarceration in the United States.
• Punitive turn: A shift towards harsher sentencing and more restrictive prison conditions. david george obituary
• Erosion of civil liberties: Increased surveillance and policing powers, potentially infringing on individual rights.

Criticisms of Garland's Thesis

While highly influential, Garland's work has also faced criticism. Some argue that his analysis is overly focused on the United States and the United Kingdom, and may not be applicable to other countries. david gibson obituary Others contend that he overstates the decline of penal welfare and underestimates the continued importance of rehabilitation in some contexts. Still others point out that his analysis doesn't fully engage with issues of racial and class bias in criminal justice systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'expressive justice' in Garland's theory?

Expressive justice emphasizes the emotional and symbolic aspects of punishment, prioritizing public sentiments and the need to condemn wrongdoing, often over rehabilitative goals.

What is the main difference between penal welfare and the culture of control?

Penal welfare focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, while the culture of control prioritizes risk management, punishment, and public safety.

How does media influence the culture of control?

Media sensationalism of crime stories amplifies public fear and anxiety, creating pressure for harsher crime control policies.

What are some specific policies that exemplify the culture of control?

Examples include mandatory minimum sentencing laws, "three strikes" laws, and increased surveillance technologies.

Is the culture of control still relevant today?

Yes, many argue that the culture of control remains a dominant force in criminal justice policy, although its effects and manifestations may vary across different contexts and time periods.

Summary

David Garland's "The Culture of Control" provides a powerful framework for understanding the transformations in crime control strategies in recent decades. By highlighting the shift from penal welfare to a culture of control, Garland sheds light on the complex interplay of social, political, and cultural forces that shape our responses to crime.