Welfare and Punishment: From Thatcherism to Austerity

Ian Cummins' book explores the ideological shifts that have led successive governments to reinforce their penal powers, fostering the neoliberal political economy and creating stigma for those living in poverty.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

In his comprehensive exploration,Ian Cummins delves into the intricate dynamics of shifting attitudes towards penal and welfare systems. Spanning from Margaret Thatcher's initial cabinet to the era of austerity politics and culminating in New Labour, the book unveils the ideological transformations that have shaped successive governments' approach to reinforcing their penal powers. Through a meticulous analysis, it sheds light on how the pervasive "tough on crime" messages have permeated various domains of social policy, fostering the emergence of a neoliberal political economy, promoting hostile attitudes towards the social state, and perpetuating stigma for individuals grappling with poverty. This seminal work serves as a vital contribution to the ongoing discourse surrounding the intricate and interconnected issues of welfare and punishment, offering a profound understanding of the complex interplay between these two critical spheres of society.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529203936