Medicine, the Penal System and Sexual Crimes in England, 1919-1960s: Diagnosing Deviance

This book explores the history of medical and psychological theories and treatments for sexual offenders in England from the early 20th century to the present, highlighting the importance of prison doctors, rehabilitative programs, and the interactions between medical and legal systems. It also reveals the extent and legacy of medical thought and the limitations of a medical approach to sexual crime.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Sexual crime, both past and present, remains a prominent topic in the headlines. Over the past century, significant changes have occurred in the way these crimes are punished, policed, and understood. The medical and psychological approaches to sexual offenders have seen a proliferation of treatments, ranging from hormone injections to cognitive behavioral therapy. This book aims to provide a comprehensive history of such theories and treatments in England.

Beginning in the early 20th century, the book traces the evolution of medical interest in the mental state of individuals convicted of sexual crime. This interest emerged as part of a broader movement towards individualized responses to crime, with the goal of rehabilitation. Doctors sought to offer new explanations for various sexual offenses, propose innovative solutions, and develop new cures. The interpretation and treatment of sexual offenses varied widely, encompassing a range of acts, from indecent exposure to homosexuality between men, to sadistic violence, and even thefts of underwear from washing lines.

While offenses against children, prostitution, and rape may have received less medical attention, they were nonetheless complex in their nature. Medical professionals grappled with understanding and addressing these crimes, employing a diverse range of material, including medical and criminological texts, trial proceedings, government reports, newspapers, autobiographies, and memoirs. Janet Weston, in her book, offers insightful perspectives on changing medico-legal practices and attitudes towards sex and health. She highlights the significance of prison doctors and rehabilitative programs within prisons, as well as the role of psychoanalytically-minded private practitioners in the treatment of sexual offenders. Weston also explores the interactions between medical and legal systems as medical theories were implemented in practice.

Through her comprehensive analysis, Weston sheds light on the extent and legacy of medical thought in the field of sexual crime. She emphasizes the limitations of a medical approach to sexual crime, recognizing that it cannot fully account for the complex social, cultural, and psychological factors that contribute to these offenses. The book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the history and evolution of medical and psychological approaches to sexual offenders. It provides a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities involved in addressing sexual crime and highlights the need for a multifaceted and comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of these offenses.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350118911