Payment by results: the materialist reconstruction of criminal justice. Issue 5 (8th June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whitehead, Philip
• Is Part Of: International journal of sociology and social policy. Volume 35:Issue 5/6(2015)
• Page Start: 290
• Page End: 305
• Publication Date: 2015-06-08
• Subjects: Governance -- Political economy; Sociology -- Periodicals; Social policy -- Periodicals; 301.05
• DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-10-2013-0100
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-333X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – The criminal justice system in England and Wales is being reconstructed on a new operating platform of which Payment by Results (PbR) is the material signifier. This critical historic transformation is occurring during a period of radical economic disruption and political restructuring after 2007-2008. PbR signals the deeper penetration of the core principles of capitalism into the body of the state and its welfare and criminal justice system. Conceptually a Lacanian-Žižekian framework is put to work to theorise these important transformations. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: – The design and methodology of this research paper utilises open sources and documentary materials on the development of PbR, in its application primarily to the criminal justice system. Findings: – There is evidence that PbR, located within the wider context of capitalist reconstruction, is radically transforming the delivery of criminal justice services. Originality/value: – This is the first critical analysis of PbR located within the context of late modern capitalism.