The Criminalisation of Social Policy in Neoliberal Societies: Crime in Late Neoliberal Austerity

From anti-immigration agendas that criminalise vulnerable populations, to the punishment of the poor and the governance of parenting, this timely book explores how diverse fields of social policy intersect more deeply than ever with crime control and, in so doing, deploy troubling strategies. The international context of this book is complemented by the inclusion of specific policy examples across the themes of work and welfare; borders and migration; family policy; homelessness and the reintegration of justice-involved persons. This book incites the reader to consider how we can reclaim the best of the ‘social’ in social policy for the twenty-first century. Review "This book brings proportionate and rigorous analysis to the question of how we can reclaim the best of the 'social' in social policy. Critical of exclusions of a wider range of people, the book's conclusions are not necessarily pessimistic, and it is clear without oversimplifying the debate." Mary Corcoran, Keele University "A timely and fantastic book! A critical analysis of the intersections between crime, social policy and lived experiences of the poor, marginalised and justice-involved. Essential reading for all 'change makers'." Maggie O'Neill, University College Cork "A compelling critical journey into the often dark and divisive shadows of state welfare. Essential reading for those interested in the more punitive aspects of social and public policy." Peter Squires, University of Brighton About the Author Elizabeth Kiely is Senior Lecturer in Social Policy in the School of Applied Social Studies at University College Cork, Ireland. Katharina Swirak is Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at University College Cork, Ireland.