Using Organisational Cultural Theory to Understand Changes in the Penal State: The case of probation in England and Wales

• In Event: Penology panel

Abstract

This paper contributes to ongoing debates in the sociology of punishment on how to capture the full complexity of political and policy dynamics that lead to penal outcomes: remaining attuned to broader structural change, while taking seriously the intentions and experiences of penal actors. Theoretically, this paper advocates for a cultural theory approach informed by Mary Douglas’ anthropological work. Drawing in particular on Christopher Hood’s The Art of the State, which applies this approach to organisational studies, I consider how Douglas’ ‘thought style’ categories may help us to make sense of developments in the penal state. Substantively, I draw on work conducted as part of the ‘Rehabilitating Probation’ ESRC-funded project: interviews with national and regional leaders who have overseen a period of dramatic change for probation in England and Wales, which prima facie is an example of ‘Good (but Complicated) Intentions – Disastrous Consequences’ (Cohen, 1985). Probation is considered to be performing very poorly: satisfying neither those who advocate for it to be a desistance-enabling service grounded in its local community, nor those who see it as a risk management body, whose sole focus is public protection. How have we arrived at a situation, after a decade of dramatic reforms, where the organisation is considered by all to be struggling so badly?

Authors

• Harry Annison, University of Southampton

• Matthew Millings, Liverpool John Moores University

• Nicola Carr, Trinity College Dublin

• Gwen Robinson, University of Sheffield, UK.