@inbook{205276f1e5b043c1939eb4b0d8eb1e63,
title = "Degrees of estrangement: The cultural theory of risk and comparative penology",
abstract = "We can accept that risk is a key idea in understanding contemporary penality-but which constructions of risk are most compelling? Moreover, how does risk-based practice intersect with other structuring principles of penal systems and penal politics? I compare and contrast the views of Feeley and Simon (1992) and of Mary Douglas{\textquoteright}s {\textquoteleft}cultural theory{\textquoteright} (Douglas, 1992), and conclude that among the attractions of the latter are its orientation towards comparative empirical inquiry and its understanding of the notion of {\textquoteleft}political culture{\textquoteright}. I conclude with some reflections on the comparative penological work in a period marked by both globalizing and particularizing trends.",
keywords = "comparison, culture, new penology, politics, risk",
author = "Richard Sparks",
year = "2008",
month = nov,
day = "14",
doi = "10.4324/9781315238975-50",
language = "English",
isbn = "9781315238975",
volume = "1-2",
series = "The International Library of Essays in Anthropology",
publisher = "Routledge",
pages = "417--434",
booktitle = "The Institutional Dynamics of Culture, Volumes I and II",
address = "United Kingdom",
edition = "1st",
}