On the cusp of recognition : using critical theory to promote desistance among young offenders

Barry, Monica (2016) On the cusp of recognition : using critical theory to promote desistance among young offenders. Theoretical Criminology, 20 (1). ISSN 1362-4806 (https://doi.org/10.1177/1362480615586613)

[thumbnail of Barry-TC-2015-On-the-cusp-of-recognition-appropriating-critical-theory]
Preview
 Text. Filename: Barry_TC_2015_On_the_cusp_of_recognition_appropriating_critical_theory.pdf
Accepted Author Manuscript
Download (445kB)| Preview

Abstract

Theories of desistance increasingly acknowledge the need to engage with political and economic discourses beyond the criminal justice system. This article turns to the critical theory of Axel Honneth, Nancy Fraser and others to explore the relevance to criminology of the concepts of recognition and redistribution. Interview data from a Scottish study of youth offending and desistance illustrate the potential of these ideas in promoting desistance among young people in transition. The article concludes that desistance requires the restructuring of wider economic and social policy to ensure social justice for marginalised young people.

ORCID iDs

Barry, Monica ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4060-854X;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)