NCJ Number
178009
Editor(s)
Robert P. Weiss,
Nigel South
Date Published
1998
Length
508 pages
Annotation
This volume compares and contrasts the prison systems of 16 nations, approaching them along a variety of dimensions and focusing on patterns of crisis and change over the last two decades.
Abstract
The book identifies common and unique problems faced by penal systems around the world and, in sociological analyses, compares the variety of responses. It includes analyses of non-industrial and industrial nations; compares relatively stable nations such as Japan with nations experiencing profound political and economic change such as South Africa and Poland; and discusses the prospects for social and penal change in various nations. The book focuses on how complex waves of change sweep through the contemporary world, altering the natural environment, technology, the economy and social systems; the interaction of these forces, their impact on nations, communities, families and individuals; and individual and group responses. References, notes, tables, figures, index