Cohen and Punishment Flashcards
(16 cards)
What theories did Cohen influence?
Labelling and moral panics
- interested in the development of what is a crime
What happened to the use of prisons in the 19th/20th century?
There was a reduction in use prisons
- more ‘non-custodial sanctions’ being used
What are ‘non-custodial sanctions’?
Alternatives to prison like probation, originally church-based, later a state service aimed at rehabilitation.
What were 3 ‘civilising’ penal developments?
Rehabilitation, decarceration and prevention rather than punishment
What is meant by ‘decarceration’?
The shift from incarceration to reducing prison use, using community-based alternatives.
What became the dominant principle of the CJS?
Rehabilitation - training and treatment to a better life rather than just punishing them.
Why are community penalties favoured?
They’re cheaper, more humane, and more effective at reducing reoffending.
How methods are used to prevent crime?
Community policing, private security, family support and early intervention
What did Cohen argue was happening
Non-custodial sentences were in addition to prison, not replacing it
prison population continued to grow alongside the number of people under other penal controls
What 2 ideas did Cohen use to describe this critique
Up-tariffing and the ‘nets’ of social control
What does ‘up-tariffing’ mean?
New penalties are harsher and used in place of lighter sanctions like fines.
e.g. people who commit minor offences get these punishments instead of less harsh ones they would have has previously
What did Cohen believe about the reach of social control?
It had expanded and become more intense and invasive, extending state power.
What are the 3 types of ‘nets’
Wider -more people pulled into the system.
Denser -more intense and invasive forms of monitoring.
Deeper -control extended into everyday life (schools, families, workplaces)
What are examples of ‘denser nets’
Intensive surveillance, intrusive interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy, and up-tariffing
electronic tagging - too intensive
What is an example of ‘wider nets’
ASBOs being used for ani-social behaviour - not a criminal offence yet gives the state authority to ban people from places
What is an example of ‘deeper nets’
early intervention for ‘at risk’ young people
