ESRC Research Seminar Series ‘Governing Through Anti- Social Behaviour’ ‘Governing Anti-Social Behaviour in Comparative Perspectives’ Centre for Criminal Justice Studies, University of Leeds 18 September 2008

Seminar Series 1.‘Anti-social behaviour in housing and residential areas’, Sheffield Hallam University, 15 November ‘Governing Anti-Social Behaviour through Schooling, Parenting and the Family’, Brighton University, 24 January ‘Anti-Social Behaviour, Urban Spaces and the Night-time Economy’, University of Leeds, 17 April ‘Diversity and Anti-Social Behaviour’, University of Birmingham, 5 June ‘Comparative Experiences of Governing Anti-Social Behaviour and Disorder’, University of Leeds 18 September ‘Situating Anti-Social Behaviour and Future Directions : Lessons from Research and Practice’ Final Dissemination Conference – King’s College, London, 22 April Series web site:

Series Aims a)To bring together research evidence from contemporary studies of anti-social behaviour and its regulation in a systematic and cross-cutting forum; b)To draw insights and experiences from practice and innovation; c)To exchange findings and experiences, as well as emerging ideas, innovations and insights; d)To foster inter-disciplinary cross-fertilisation, knowledge transfer and networks of researchers and practitioners; e)To draw comparative lessons from within and between parts of the UK as well as European and other international experiences; f)To facilitate a dialogue and exchange between researchers, practitioners and policy-makers, notably regarding the scope for evidence-based policy in the field of anti-social behaviour’.

Aims for today Situate the governance of anti-social behaviour in a wider comparative (European) frame of reference. Explore the external influences upon contemporary anti-social behaviour policy and the movement/diffusion of policies across nations and between cities. Compare and contrast policy and practice developments within the British Isles. Consider the meaning, relevance and experience of governing anti-social behaviour in other European counties.

Words of Caution Undue emphasis upon national comparisons – the nation as the unit of analysis. Much policy innovation emanates from local or regional levels, which may or may not filter ‘upwards’. Comparative lesson-learning is not restricted to nation- to-nation experiences or to the influence of supra- national institutions. Existence of cross-national city-to-city and region-to-region connections, networks and travels. National policies are differently implemented and interpreted, influenced by local cultures and traditions.

Lost in Translation? ‘Anti-Social Behaviour’ ‘disorder’, ‘incivilities’, ‘nuisance’, ‘community safety’, ‘respect’ ‘quality of life’, ‘zero tolerance’ Two meanings of translation: (i) Translate from one language to another – linguistic conversion expecting the same term to carry the same meaning in each language. (ii) Translate from one place to another – contextual relocation assuming that the same term carries the same meaning in different social and cultural contexts. Learning not to translate – both literally and figuratively