Moral Economy, Markets and Privatisation: From 2010 to 2015

Abstract

The period for this analysis is primarily from 2010 to 2015. Initially, though, it is necessary to reiterate thematic continuities with previous bouts of privatisation in the 1980s,¹ followed by the National Offender Management Service on contestability. Next, in 2005, the Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, moved in the direction of market testing probation, before the Offender Management Act 2007 normalised competition. Consequently, the first task produces a documentary review from 2008 when the conservative party was in opposition. This review exposes criminal justice transformations to the paradox of frantic activity conducted in moral silence. Second, Payment by Results constitutes a material signifier of reconstruction which provokes moral questions. Third, it is pertinent to embed criminal justice revolutionary activity within a broader historical, politico-economic context.