In recent years, a prominent piece of academic literature has analysed the transformations in the field of punishment through the lens of what has been called neoliberalism. Several theoretical perspectives, such as the governmentality studies, or a variety of analyses on post-welfarist punishment, have highlighted the influence of economic policies and the neoliberal mode of government on the recent evolution of penal policies.

These theoretical frameworks appear to be especially relevant to face the current challenges of the field of punishment and social control. Yet, a crucial historical event has further strengthened the interest of this sort of analysis. In effect, the study of punishment from the perspective of politics and political economy has gained momentum with the beginning of what has been termed the Great Recession. The conference is focused on this theoretical field, and it aims to reflect on punishment both in relation to and beyond neoliberalism.

Therefore, we will consider contributions on a wide range of issues that encompass the broad theme of Beyond Neoliberalism? Politics and Punishment in Contemporary Societies, particularly on the themes of:

• Politics and Punishment
• Political Economy of Punishment
• Neoliberalism and Criminal Justice
• Great Recession and penal policies

Keynote Speakers:

• Emma Bell (University of Savoy, France)
• Leonidas Cheliotis (University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK)
• Lynne Haney (New York University, USA)
• Richard Sparks (University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK)
• Máximo Sozzo (National University of the Litoral, Argentina)

Organization:

• ECRIM, University of A Coruña, Spain (www.ecrim.es)
• Academic chairs: José Ángel Brandariz (University of A Coruña, Spain), Máximo Sozzo (National University of the Litoral, Argentina)
• Organizing committee chair: Patricia Faraldo (University of A Coruña, Spain)

Abstract guidelines:

Proposals should be titled and should not exceed 250 words. Please include the proposer’s name and contact details along with their university affiliation.

Please submit abstracts via email to: dcastrolinares@gmail.com

The papers presented at the conference will be eventually published in a book containing the conference proceedings.

Closing date: 15 July 2013

Decisions about the acceptance of the papers will be made by the end of July 2013.