Criminalisation and Advanced Marginality: Critically Exploring the Work of Loïc Wacquant by Peter Squires – A Deep Dive

Introduction

In an era where the boundaries between crime control and social welfare have become increasingly blurred, the work of French sociologist Loïc Wacquant offers a powerful lens through which to examine the punitive turn in contemporary governance. Criminalisation and Advanced Marginality: Critically Exploring the Work of Loic Wacquant, edited by Peter Squires, is the first comprehensive volume to engage critically with Wacquant’s provocative ideas. This hardcover edition, published by Policy Press, brings together leading scholars to dissect, debate, and build upon Wacquant’s influential theories on neoliberalism, penal policy, and the production of urban marginality. For Indian students, researchers, and policy analysts, this book provides a vital framework for understanding how global trends in criminalisation and welfare retrenchment resonate within local contexts.

Book Overview

This collection of essays offers a rigorous yet accessible exploration of Wacquant’s core concepts—from the ‘penal state’ and ‘advanced marginality’ to the criminalisation of poverty and the transformation of the welfare state into a disciplinary apparatus. Each chapter critically examines different facets of Wacquant’s work, including his analysis of the ghetto, the prison, and the neoliberal reordering of state power. The book concludes with a rare and invaluable response from Wacquant himself, addressing the critiques and comments of the contributors. Designed for both newcomers and those already familiar with his writings, this volume serves as both an introduction and a critical companion to one of the most important sociological thinkers of our time.

Key Highlights

• First critical engagement with Loïc Wacquant’s entire body of work on crime, punishment, and marginality.
• Interdisciplinary perspectives from criminology, sociology, political science, and urban studies.
• Original response from Wacquant himself, offering unique insight into his intellectual evolution.
• Global relevance with case studies and examples from Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
• Hardcover edition from Policy Press, a leading academic publisher in social policy.

Inside the Book

The volume is structured around key themes in Wacquant’s scholarship. Early chapters introduce his concepts of ‘advanced marginality’ and the ‘penal state,’ linking them to the rise of neoliberal governance. Subsequent essays delve into the racialisation of punishment, the role of the state in producing urban exclusion, and the erosion of social citizenship. The contributors—including noted criminologists and sociologists—offer both supportive and critical readings, ensuring a balanced and thought-provoking dialogue. The final section features Wacquant’s detailed rejoinder, where he clarifies, defends, and refines his arguments in light of the discussions. This structure makes the book an ideal resource for seminars, graduate courses, and independent study.

Key Topics

• Advanced marginality and the new urban poverty
• Neoliberal penality and the rise of mass incarceration
• Welfare state retrenchment and ‘diswelfare’
• Criminalisation of poverty and social insecurity
• Racial and ethnic stratification in punishment systems
• State power and the shift from social to penal regulation

Reader Benefits

• Deepen your understanding of contemporary criminological theory and its real-world applications.
• Gain critical tools to analyse policies on crime, welfare, and urban governance in India and globally.
• Engage with cutting-edge debates in sociology and social policy through a single, coherent volume.
• Access Wacquant’s own voice in his concluding response, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at his thinking.
• Strengthen academic writing and argumentation by studying how scholars critique and build on foundational theories.

Learning Outcomes

By reading this book, you will be able to: explain the concept of advanced marginality and its relationship to neoliberalism; critically assess Wacquant’s thesis on the penal state and the criminalisation of poverty; compare different scholarly perspectives on the transformation of welfare into discipline; apply these theoretical insights to contemporary issues such as slum demolition, custodial violence, and social exclusion in India; and formulate your own informed critique of punitive governance models. The book equips you with both knowledge and analytical skills essential for advanced study in criminology, sociology, and public policy.

Who Should Read

This book is essential reading for postgraduate students and researchers in criminology, sociology, social policy, political science, and urban studies. It is also highly relevant for practitioners in law enforcement, social work, and non-governmental organisations working on issues of poverty, justice, and human rights. Indian readers interested in understanding the global forces shaping local realities—such as the expansion of the prison system, the criminalisation of beggary, or the policing of informal settlements—will find Wacquant’s framework both illuminating and challenging. Undergraduate students with a strong background in social theory will also benefit from this accessible yet sophisticated collection.

About the Author

Peter Squires is a Professor of Criminology and Public Policy at the University of Brighton, UK. He has written extensively on youth crime, gun violence, and policing, and has a longstanding interest in the intersections of social inequality and criminal justice. His editorial work brings together a distinguished group of international scholars, each offering a unique perspective on Wacquant’s legacy.

About the Publisher

Policy Press, an imprint of Bristol University Press, is a leading academic publisher specialising in social policy, criminology, and public administration. Known for its rigorous peer review and commitment to socially relevant research, Policy Press has published influential works by scholars such as Loïc Wacquant, David Garland, and John Braithwaite. This hardcover edition reflects the publisher’s dedication to producing high-quality, durable books for academic libraries and serious readers.

Conclusion

Criminalisation and Advanced Marginality is not merely a commentary on Wacquant’s work—it is an invitation to think critically about the direction of modern governance. As India grapples with its own dilemmas of crime, poverty, and state power, this book offers a vital theoretical compass. Whether you are a student, teacher, researcher, or activist, this volume will challenge your assumptions and enrich your understanding of the punitive turn in contemporary societies. Order your hardcover copy today from Bookshops.in and join the global conversation on justice, marginality, and the future of the state.