Dr John Gregson

This chapter situates processes of criminalisation within the context of a broader theoretical analysis of neoliberalism. It argues that the much-debated neoliberal penalty thesis provides insightful, if contested, theoretical resources into such processes. Key contributors to NLP are discussed to highlight the debates and disagreements within the literature. The chapter focuses on two ‘versions’ of neoliberalism – one ideational and one Foucauldian – that further our understanding of criminalisation and the treatment of vulnerable groups. It is argued that agnotology – the study of ignorance – is ideationally important within the context of neoliberal societies where ignorance underpins both neoliberal philosophy and practice. In the Foucauldian approach, governmentality provides an understanding of processes of subjectification through which vulnerable groups are deemed to share characteristics inimical to market rule.

Neoliberalism is, in various ways, radically new. it is nevertheless constructed from the conditions of liberal modernity, the inadequacies of which are crucial to neoliberal success. Liberalism in practice restricts moral agency through an impoverished, structurally-reinforced conception of practical reasoning, as Alasdair MacIntyre argues, and this is important to understanding neoliberal durability. This paper argues that a bureaucratic culture that fails to evaluate or critically question the ends it pursues is both symptomatic of liberal inadequacies and a key factor in neoliberal success. Beyond its purely explanatory power, there is a political relevance to MacIntyre’s Aristotelian-inspired politics of local community. It is from those practices and communal movements that embody alternative conceptions of the good, that those interested in resisting neoliberalism can learn how it becomes possible to successfully challenge aspects of the contemporary social order.

This book discusses Alasdair MacIntyre’s engagement with Marxism from the early 1950s to the present.

This paper examines the changing nature of debates that focus on the philosophy of Alasdair MacIntyre. Whilst outlining the history of MacIntyre’s engagement with Marxism and some of his key ideas, it argues that it is only recently that such debates have begun to rightfully recognise the continued relevance of Marxism to such discussions. I note that crucial aspects of MacIntyre’s politics and philosophy, particularly his opposition to capitalism, are now integral to the contemporary debate which helps in generating a shared vision of radical politics. Nevertheless, I point out that key disagreements still remain as to the role of Marxism within such debates, the validity of MacIntyre’s critique of Marxism, as well as the potentially problematic post-Marxist practice that MacIntyre advocates in After Virtue and beyond.

This book links criminological, political, moral, and philosophical issues to offer a deeper understanding of the problem of social harm within the neoliberal environment.

This book addresses a variety of key issues surrounding mental health and the criminalization of certain individuals, groups and communities by the Criminal Justice System and the impact this can have on their mental health. It challenges the assumption that people with mental health problems are in some way a risk or danger to society (and themselves) and therefore have a greater propensity for committing crimes, when in reality they are more likely to become the victims of crime. It argues that the misguided correlations drawn between mental health and crime, as perpetuated by the media, policy makers, clinicians, agents and agencies of the criminal justice system, and ultimately the public, lead to the criminalization of the vulnerable. Furthermore, the criminalization, stigmatization, stereotyping, labelling and discrimination endured by people with mental health problems has a devastating effect on their mental health and well-being and has negative consequences for society as a whole. Each chapter focuses on a specific area relating to mental health, identifying key themes and issues, as well as offering recommendations for improvements with regards to the treatment and support for people with mental health problems. In addition, the treatment of offenders with mental health problems who engage with the criminal justice system and its services, such as the police, prison and probation services, is critically evaluated.