Effective Practice in Probation: An Example of ‘Advanced Liberal’ Responsibilisation?

Abstract

This article argues that the dominant emphasis upon effective practice in probation work, particularly the emergence of effective programmes can be understood as an example of a key mechanism of social control in advanced liberal societies. Utilising Rose’s concept of ‘responsibilisation’ the article examines the role of effective programmes in the emerging social policy agenda of citizen re‐moralisation, responsibilisation and inclusion exemplified in late modern advanced liberal welfare states. The article concludes that the embracement of effective programmes has reconstituted the probation service as a key agency in the social control and exclusion of those citizens deemed ‘intransigent’ or ‘irresponsible’, thus assisting in the demarcation of those who can play a full role in the welfare society from those who cannot.