ABSTRACT

First published in 1973, this book offers a fascinating and systematic description of the debt-collection process in 1970s England. Basing his research on the words of creditors, debtors, solicitors and debt-collectors, Paul Rock’s research was conducted when imprisonment for debt was still in existence. The book covers the major stages in a defaulter’s career, from enforcement by his creditors and the work of the debt-collector, through the various processes of the law, often to a period of imprisonment. Particular attention is given to the attempts made by debt-collectors to manage an unusual form of deviance and the consequences of their actions.

chapter 1|25 pages

Organizing perspectives

chapter 2|25 pages

Entering the career

chapter 3|25 pages

Enforcement by creditors

chapter 4|31 pages

The debt-collector 1

chapter 5|14 pages

The solicitor

chapter 6|27 pages

The county court

chapter 7|26 pages

Execution

chapter 9|22 pages

The bailiff's ‘working personality' 1

chapter 10|13 pages

The prison

chapter 11|27 pages

The debtor as inmate

chapter 12|37 pages

Typifications of debtors

chapter 13|21 pages

Conclusion