Drawing the Line Once Again: Paul Goodman’s Anarchist Writings | Reviewed by—Jeff Shantz

Abstract

Despite the fact that anarchist theorists (from major figures like Peter Kropotkin and Emma Goldman to other lesser known writers and activists) have been actively involved in developing criminological perspectives and practices from the inception of the discipline, much of anarchism has been written out of the histories of criminology. Thus, the significant contributions of anarchism to criminology have been overlooked or forgotten. More recently the important undertakings of newer scholars such as Christopher Howell have contributed to the archaeology of criminological knowledge and uncovered crucial contributions of anarchism.

The overlooking of anarchism has meant that important voices have been silenced or remain unheard. Among the more interesting recent commentators has been Paul Goodman. While Goodman is generally recognized as one of the most important and influential inspirations of the New Left during the 1960s and 1970s, it is probably true that very few people associate his ideas with criminology.