Eugene McLaughlin

Originally published in 1994, this work examines the different models of police accountability that were implemented in the 1980s. Based on research carried out in Manchester, the work discusses local government efforts to construct a new social contract between the police and the community. The research is considered within the wider theoretical debates about the nature of participatory democracy. The conclusion argues that there is an urgent need to confront the complexities of constructing satisfactory police-community relations in Britain's inner cities. It evaluates whether the reorganization of policing at the time would lead to a more accountable police service. It was one of the first books in this country to argue for an abolitionist position that is now central to BLM debates. Today it can be read against the backdrop of ongoing debates of police accountability and police race relations.

This engaging text introduces readers to the sociology of cults. Covering the history and current state of cult studies, this book includes topics ranging from doomsday cults and new religious movements through to self-help cults, the cult of celebrity, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs. Case studies as varied as David Koresh and the Branch Davidians, the Manson family, and the cult brands of Elon Musk, Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson are deployed to shed new light on cult formation in the twenty-first century.Amidst the rise of populist demagogues, the online radicalisation of alienated individuals, and the proliferation of celebrities and gurus with avid followings, cult dynamics are everywhere in society. Yet key urgent questions have not been clearly and concisely addressed: What are cults? Why do they emerge? How are they established and maintained? What is the future of cults, and why are we so fascinated by them? This book explores these questions by tracing the spectrum of cult formation historically and in today’s networked media ecosystem.This accessible introduction to the darkly fascinating world of cults is essential reading for academics and students of sociology, social psychology, religion, politics, business and cultural studies, and anyone interested in understanding the relationship between cults and society.

This engaging text introduces readers to the sociology of cults. Covering the history and current state of cult studies, this book includes topics ranging from doomsday cults and new religious movements through to self-help cults, the cult of celebrity, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs. Case studies as varied as David Koresh and the Branch Davidians, the Manson family, and the cult brands of Elon Musk, Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson are deployed to shed new light on cult formation in the twenty-first century.Amidst the rise of populist demagogues, the online radicalisation of alienated individuals, and the proliferation of celebrities and gurus with avid followings, cult dynamics are everywhere in society. Yet key urgent questions have not been clearly and concisely addressed: What are cults? Why do they emerge? How are they established and maintained? What is the future of cults, and why are we so fascinated by them? This book explores these questions by tracing the spectrum of cult formation historically and in today’s networked media ecosystem.This accessible introduction to the darkly fascinating world of cults is essential reading for academics and students of sociology, social psychology, religion, politics, business and cultural studies, and anyone interested in understanding the relationship between cults and society.

Originally published in 1994, this work examines the different models of police accountability that were implemented in the 1980s. Based on research carried out in Manchester, the work discusses local government efforts to construct a new social contract between the police and the community. The research is considered within the wider theoretical debates about the nature of participatory democracy. The conclusion argues that there is an urgent need to confront the complexities of constructing satisfactory police-community relations in Britain's inner cities. It evaluates whether the reorganization of policing at the time would lead to a more accountable police service. It was one of the first books in this country to argue for an abolitionist position that is now central to BLM debates. Today it can be read against the backdrop of ongoing debates of police accountability and police race relations.

An indispensable guide to the sociological theories behind crime, it outlines the principal theories of crime and rule-breaking, discussing them chronologically. Placing each theory in its European and North American contexts, the authors confront major criticisms that have been voiced against each theory, and construct defences where appropriate. Thoroughly revised and updated in its 7th edition, this is the clearest and most authoritative guide to crime and deviance, written by three leading names in the field.

The New Policing provides a comprehensive introduction to the critical issues confronting policing today. It incorporates an overview of traditional approaches to the study of the police with a discussion of current perspectives. The book goes on to examine key themes, including: - the core purpose of contemporary policework; - the reconfiguration of police culture; - organisational issues and dilemmas currently confronting the police; - the managerial reforms and professional; innovations that have been implemented in recent years; - the future of policing, security and crime control. In offering this discussion of the nature and role of the police, The New Policing illustrates the need to re-examine and re-think the theoretical perspectives that have constituted policing studies. Examining evidence from the United Kingdom, the United States and other western societies, the book promotes and enables an understanding of the cultural and symbolic significance of policing in society. This ground-breaking text has been constructed to ensure that it touches on all the key issues that any course on police and policing will cover. It is an essential purchase for all students of policing and criminal justice, and academics and professionals working in this field.

The New Policing provides a comprehensive introduction to the critical issues confronting policing today. It incorporates an overview of traditional approaches to the study of the police with a discussion of current perspectives. The book goes on to examine key themes, including: - the core purpose of contemporary policework; - the reconfiguration of police culture; - organisational issues and dilemmas currently confronting the police; - the managerial reforms and professional; innovations that have been implemented in recent years; - the future of policing, security and crime control. In offering this discussion of the nature and role of the police, The New Policing illustrates the need to re-examine and re-think the theoretical perspectives that have constituted policing studies. Examining evidence from the United Kingdom, the United States and other western societies, the book promotes and enables an understanding of the cultural and symbolic significance of policing in society. This ground-breaking text has been constructed to ensure that it touches on all the key issues that any course on police and policing will cover. It is an essential purchase for all students of policing and criminal justice, and academics and professionals working in this field.