A Science of Otherness?: Rereading the History of Western and US Criminological Thought

This book provides a critical history of Western criminological thought from the Enlightenment to the development of modern criminological theories, arguing that it is an ideological project based on 'otherness' that validates projects of control, exclusion, modernization, and care.

Format: Hardback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

This comprehensive book delves into a critical examination of Western criminological thought, spanning from the Enlightenment to the emergence of modern criminological theories, primarily in the United States, over the past century. It explores a diverse range of approaches, including the classical school, various currents of positivist criminology, and the managerial movement. Author Mehozay argues that Western criminological thought can be perceived as an ideological endeavor rooted in notions of "otherness," serving to justify social hierarchies and maintain the power imbalance between individuals. Through meticulous analysis, he showcases how ideologies of otherness, such as the non-rational other, the pathological other, and more, validate projects of control, exclusion, modernization, and care.

The book begins by tracing the historical roots of Western criminological thought, examining the Enlightenment-era ideas that laid the foundation for the discipline. It then explores the rise of positivism, which emphasized scientific methods and empirical data in understanding crime and deviance. The managerial movement, on the other hand, emerged as a response to the perceived failures of traditional criminal justice systems and sought to implement more efficient and effective approaches to crime control.

Throughout the book, Mehozay critically examines the ideologies underpinning these different approaches to criminology. He argues that they are often rooted in notions of "otherness," which serve to exclude certain groups of people from the mainstream and maintain the status quo. For example, the non-rational other is portrayed as irrational and dangerous, justifying the need for control and exclusion. The pathological other, meanwhile, is seen as deviant and in need of correction, reinforcing the notion that certain individuals are inherently criminal.

Mehozay also explores how these ideologies of otherness are used to justify projects of control, exclusion, modernization, and care. He shows how they are employed to maintain social hierarchies, perpetuate inequality, and control the behavior of marginalized communities. For instance, the criminal justice system is often used to exclude certain individuals from society, perpetuating their marginalization and stigmatization. Similarly, the modernization project is often justified by the need to address the "pathological" aspects of society, such as poverty and inequality, which are perceived as threats to social stability.

However, Mehozay also offers a critical perspective on these ideologies of otherness. He argues that they are often based on flawed assumptions and that they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases. For example, the notion that certain individuals are inherently criminal is not supported by empirical evidence and can lead to discrimination and prejudice against those individuals. Similarly, the idea that certain communities are "pathological" is often used to justify the neglect and exploitation of those communities, perpetuating their marginalization and oppression.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and critical examination of Western criminological thought, from its historical roots to the development of modern criminological theories. Author Mehozay argues that Western criminological thought can be seen as an ideological project based on notions of "otherness," which serve to justify social hierarchies and maintain the power imbalance between individuals. Through meticulous analysis, he demonstrates how ideologies of otherness validate projects of control, exclusion, modernization, and care. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in criminology, social justice, and the study of power and inequality.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529209129