Summary
Contents
Criminology and Social Policy systematically examines the relationship between social policy and crime. In this lively and engaging text, Paul Knepper discusses the difference social policy makes, or can make, in any response to crime. He also considers the contribution of criminology to the debates on major social policy areas, such as housing, education, employment, health and family. The book provides criminology students with an understanding of key social policy issues, and introduces criminological theory to social policy students. It is designed to cover the core components of courses in both of these areas.
Criminological Theory and Social Policy
Criminological Theory and Social Policy
Summary
- Social disorganisation theory has traditionally emphasised community-based and local interventions as the best response to crime
- Strain theory affirms the importance of a national welfare system as an essential crime reduction measure
- Control theory can be interpreted as supporting the welfare state, but tends to emphasise family-centred and school-based interventions
- Routine activities theory insists that the problem of crime ought not be confused with provision of social welfare
Every theory of crime contains an argument about what should be done in response. While theories about the aetiology of crime do not always offer policy proposals as such, the theorised source of crime signals a preferred solution. A major distinction that applies, as we will see in this chapter, is the ...