Introducing the focus and purposes of this book

Politicians frequently claim to support liberty and empowerment. Yet governments and political leaders often advocate policies that restrict citizens or seek to persuade them strongly in specific directions. This occurs not only in relation to criminal justice, environmental protection or safety on the roads (as might be expected), but also in various welfare and social security domains where policies have more traditionally been thought of as meeting needs and responding to social rights claims. This collection addresses the recent and present state of play in a variety of UK policy fields as far as disciplinary approaches, penalties, exclusions or service-user responsibilities are concerned. Although social control strategies and practices have had long histories within social policy, there appears to have been some increase since the early 1980s in their attraction, acceptability and perceived salience for mainstream politicians. The authors in this book explore and interpret recent trends and issues, illuminating developments that have crucial effects on freedoms.

Unsurprisingly, the control exerted by governments over individuals has been an enduring topic within social policy debates. An extensive literature has reported on the regulation of behaviours in numerous settings, providing rich research information on histories and outcomes. Yet publications detailing and interpreting social control practices across a range of UK social policy and ‘welfare’ domains remain relatively rare. This collection sets out to enhance and update what is available in that regard, bringing together new writings that touch upon aspects of social control and persuasion in a diverse array of social policy territories. Contributors consider features and implications of official policies aimed at inhibiting, shaping, managing, disciplining or penalising the behaviours of various categories of people, and comment on assumptions, justifications or conceptual framings that inform practices and approaches. The book focuses especially on recent policy developments and themes, but also acknowledges historical resonances, and particular legacies of governments from the 1980s onwards. The authors understand that forms of social control may occur within many settings, ranging from households to religious organisations, and from private firms to government agencies.