ABSTRACT

Can mass supervision be resisted? The first section of this chapter summarises the author’s analysis of the emergence of ‘mass supervision’ as a form of ‘pervasive punishment’ before focusing on how it might be resisted. The second explores a recent proposal for the development of ‘technological incarceration’ as a means of tackling mass incarceration. The third develops the case for a liberal reformist approach to restraining mass supervision through the application of principles of parsimony, proportionality and productiveness. In the final section the author asks whether, despite its merits, a liberal reformist programme will be sufficient, and suggests that ultimately a more radical approach may be required. In parts of the chapter, the arguments are made via an engaging story-telling approach.