Institute of Criminology Public Seminars: 'Exploring the Long Term Effects of 'Thatcherite' Social and Economic Policies for Crime'

Speaker: Professor Stephen Farrall, Deputy Head of School, Professor of Criminology, School of Law, Sheffield University

Although it is now 25 years since she left office, Margaret Thatcher's period as Prime Minister (1979-1990) is one which is still much debated. Although her criminal justice agenda was not noted for its radical right-leaning credentials, her term of office was noted for a dramatic increase in crime. Based on a recently-completed ESRC grant, this presentation explores the degree to which her governments' social and economic policies may have contributed to that rise in crime. Our analyses explore four social and economic policy arena (namely housing, education, social security and economic management) and chart not just the impacts on crime rates, but also on the attitudes of members of the public.

Stephen Farrall is Deputy Head of School, and Professor of Criminology at the School of Law, Sheffield University. His research has focused on the fear of crime (especially how best to measure it), why people stop offending, middle-class crimes, and crime histories. He has recently completed a 5th sweep of interviews with a cohort of probationers who were originally supervised in 1997-98. His other research interests include the long-term impact of Thatcherite social and economic policies on crime; and cognitive interviewing to improve survey questions.

This seminar starts at 5.30pm, and will be held in Seminar Room B3, Institute of Criminology, Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 9DA. A drinks reception in the basement foyer will follow this seminar for attendees

The IoC Public Seminar Series is open to all interested in attending, with no ticket required. If you wish to be added to the seminar mailing list, please contact: Joanne Garner, on: jf225@cam.ac.uk