ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the research in relation to three areas. First, the influence that the neoliberal paradigm seems to have had on the transformation of public policies is discussed. The axes around which they have been rearticulated are presented: individualisation, contractualisation, moralisation and punitive control. The changes produced by these policies cause a gap between the legal notions of citizenship and the possibility of real access to it. Second, what can be learned from the Spanish case about the functioning of neoliberalism is discussed. The changes seem to be concentrated in some periods, and it is not possible to speak of a linear implementation. At the same time, the absence of a European-style social democracy in Spain allows us to problematise and qualify some common aspects of the study of neoliberalism. Third, regarding the thesis of neoliberal penality, its heuristic capacity is positively valued, although it is recognised that greater efforts must continue to be made on causality. The tension between generalisations and case studies is also discussed.
