Conference Proceedings

2008 Psychology of Women Section 21st Anniversary Conference

'Rights and Changes'
Conference Venue: Cumberland Lodge, The Great Park, Windsor
Psychology of Women Section

From: 16 Jul 2008
To: 18 Jul 2008

 
Peer-Reviewed

Exploring alcohol misuse and coercive treatment: Managing masculinity

J.L. Ashby
University of Bradford

C. Horrocks
University of Bradford


Recent legislation has seemingly responded to growing concerns around alcohol related violence and offending. Individuals convicted of an alcohol related offence can now engage in treatment as a requirement of a community order known as the Alcohol Treatment Requirement (ATR). The ATR involves interagency working involving the management and treatment of offenders adopting both a care and control approach to bringing about a positive behaviour change. In this paper the gendered constructions of alcohol misuse will be explored, moving on to draw upon ongoing NHS research to consider the gender distribution of offending related to alcohol misuse. The paper will draw upon quantitative analysis of secondary data collated from offender records and contextual analysis of field observations (Atkinson and Hammersley 1998) conducted at the treatment sites. Using case study data the presentation will move on to focus upon the relational exchange between female alcohol workers and male offenders. Complex power relations, premised upon structural positions within both the criminal justice system and health care impact upon are seen to be fundamental aspects of this relational interaction. The challenges this poses for service delivery and behaviour change will be explored.