Born to Be Criminal - The Discourse on Criminality and the Practice of Punishment in Late Imperial Russia and Early Soviet Union. Interdisciplinary A

This collection of essays explores the continuities and disruptions in the perceptions of criminality, its causes, and ways of fighting it in late imperial Russia and the early Soviet Union, focusing on the discourse on criminality and penal practice. It is interdisciplinary, with authors representing various approaches in history, literary studies, and social sciences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

This comprehensive collection of essays delves into the intricate dynamics of perceptions of criminality, its underlying causes, and the diverse strategies employed to combat it in late imperial Russia and the early Soviet Union. It encompasses a multifaceted examination, encompassing both the discourse on criminality and the conceptualization of criminality across various disciplines such as criminology, psychiatry, and literature. Furthermore, the volume explores penal practice, encompassing diverse aspects of criminal law and anti-crime policies. By nature, this interdisciplinary work draws upon a diverse range of approaches from history and literary studies, spanning social history, discourse analysis, the history of sciences, and text analysis. The authors, each representing their unique perspectives, contribute to a rich tapestry of insights that shed light on the complex and evolving nature of criminality in this historical context.

The essays in this collection examine the shifting perceptions of criminality in late imperial Russia and the early Soviet Union, exploring the continuities and disruptions in these perceptions. They delve into the underlying causes of criminality, including social, economic, and political factors, as well as the cultural and ideological influences that shaped these perceptions. The authors also examine the various strategies employed to combat criminality, including law enforcement, judicial systems, and social reform initiatives.

One of the key themes of the collection is the interdisciplinary nature of the study of criminality. The authors draw upon a diverse range of disciplines, including history, sociology, psychology, and literature, to analyze the complex interplay between perceptions of criminality, social structures, and individual behavior. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to criminality and the challenges faced in combating it.

Another important theme of the collection is the role of discourse in shaping perceptions of criminality. The essays explore the ways in which media, popular culture, and political discourse contribute to the construction of criminal identities and the perpetuation of criminal stereotypes. They also examine the ways in which individuals and communities respond to these discourses, both in terms of accepting or challenging them.

The collection also explores the impact of penal practice on perceptions of criminality. The essays examine the various aspects of criminal law and anti-crime policies, including the development of police institutions, the implementation of punishment, and the role of rehabilitation and reintegration in reducing recidivism. They also consider the ethical and social implications of these policies, including the potential for discrimination and the impact on marginalized communities.

In conclusion, this collection of essays provides a valuable contribution to the study of criminality in late imperial Russia and the early Soviet Union. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary examination of the factors that contribute to criminality, the strategies employed to combat it, and the role of discourse and penal practice in shaping perceptions of criminality. The essays are written by leading scholars in the field and are accessible to a wide audience, making them an essential resource for researchers, students, and policymakers interested in this important historical and social phenomenon.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 226 x 147 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837641592