SOC40080

This module examines a number of theoretical perspectives and contemporary debates surrounding the nature and social impact of policing.

It begins by exploring the historical development of the police institution, and considers the various roles and functions associated with the police. It then considers the role that policing plays in wider society, how it relates to various cultural debates, and how it impacts on different sections of the public and intersects with various social conflicts. We examine the role that policing plays in divided societies, looking in detail at political violence and police reform in Northern Ireland. We also explore other developments - including the impact of private security as well as processes of globalisation - in terms of the impact they may have on the nature and delivery of policing and social control.

Throughout the module we will try to enhance our understanding of these issues by considering and debating a series of interrelated questions: (1) what are the main characteristics of policing and social control in modern society, and how have these developed; (2) how do the contours of policing and security provision relate to other features of contemporary society (particularly in terms of inequality, democracy and social change) and what impact do they have on different sectors of society; and (3) how are institutions and processes of policing and social control likely to develop in the future?