The Changing Nature of Crime and the Workless Society

Abstract

In this chapter it is argued that debates about the policing of poverty are potentially entering a new era: the workless society. This epoch is characterised by four distinct developments. The view that full employment is no longer a feasible option – epitomised by Dahrendorf (1985) in the UK and William Julius Wilson (1996a) in the USA – is gradually being accepted by some police policy-makers. Secondly, despite recognition of this problem British and American governments are struggling to produce a creative response to this scenario. Thirdly, discussions about poverty, crime and disorder continue to be based on the behavioural/ structural distinction. However, there is a tendency for senior politicians to hold the possibly mistaken assumption that a change in the character and behaviour of the poor – rather than socialised public policy – is the main solution to these problems. Finally, if this is the case, it is unlikely that policy-makers will be able to respond suitably and judiciously to this predicament.