Governing Delinquency Through Freedom: Control, Rehabilitation and Desistance

This book explores the paradox of non-custodial government of young offenders in Brazil, examining the power, control, and inequality produced by institutional settings. Based on an ethnographic study of 'Assisted Freedom' in Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, it sheds light on the contradictions of juvenile justice systems and other public policies based on citizenship, autonomy, and responsibilization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of non-custodial government for young offenders in two major cities in Brazil. Through an ethnographic study of 'Assisted Freedom (Liberdade Assistida)' probation in Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, it explores the paradoxical nature of an institution that exerts control over youths while simultaneously promoting their autonomy and responsibility. The study sheds light on the specific logics of power, control, and inequality that emerge within these institutional settings, providing valuable insights into the contradictions of juvenile justice systems and other public policies based on the values of citizenship, autonomy, and responsibilization.

The analysis unfolds in an inverted zoom structure, beginning with an in-depth examination of cognitive and interactional processes at the level of interpersonal relationships between youths and professionals. It then expands to explore the broader ties outside the institution, encompassing schools, the labor market, and juvenile courts. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book appeals to students and scholars in criminology, sociology, cultural studies, social theory, and those interested in learning about non-custodial measures and the regulation of juvenile delinquency.

By examining the experiences of young offenders and the institutions that shape their lives, this book offers a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in addressing juvenile delinquency and promoting positive outcomes for young people. It highlights the need for policymakers and practitioners to consider the broader social and cultural contexts in which young offenders operate and to develop policies and programs that prioritize their well-being and rehabilitation.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367500610