Rethinking Narratives of Penal Change in Global Context (From New Punitiveness: Trends, Theories, Perspectives, P 290-307, 2005, John Pratt, David Brown, et al., eds. -- NCJ-210217)

• NCJ Number: 210234
• Author(s): Wayne Morrison
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Willan Publishing
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In examining penal change, this paper addresses the need for research studies to analyze penal change from a global context (a non-punitive context), understanding that no society or community is a self-sustaining system, but a totality of many.

Abstract

In order to understand the sites of the new punitiveness, there is a need to have in mind the reality of the modern global community, a community that either does not or cannot punish its criminals. By undertaking a global awareness, it enables those to realize a different social solidarity. This final paper discusses how the narratives of penal change must be reassessed and complemented by analyses that adopt a self-conscious global context. Most research-based narratives have been constrained by an identification of society or community and notions of self-sustaining systems. This paper attempts to highlight the biggest non-punitive area inhabited, the global international system. In summation, in addition to focusing on sites of punitiveness, there is a need for equal focus recognizing irrational nonpunitiveness operating outside the specific terrains narratives have traditionally focused upon. Notes, references