Social class, youth crime and justice

Abstract

This chapter discusses the central place of social class an understanding the reasons for the marginalisation and criminalisation of substantial sections of the youth population in 'advanced' industrialised countries. Given the prevalence of neo-liberal ideologies, the huge changes taking place in basic class relationships due to globalisation, and the impoverishment of growing numbers of young people associated with these changes, it is important to understand the structural impacts of social inequality. A substantial part of this chapter, therefore, considers the making of a new layer of socially disadvantaged young people and the response of the state to the growth in what are seen as problematic populations. The youth justice system has a major role to play in these social processes.