Previous Article
News
McDonaldization of probation at the magistrates’ court in England and Wales
The provision of pre-sentence advice to the criminal courts has been an important part of the work of probation staff in England & Wales since the late 19th century. However, this is an area of probation work which has not received any serious academic attention for several decades. This article presents findings from an ethnographic study of probation work in two English Magistrates’ courts which was conducted in 2017.
An article by Gwen Robinson, University of Sheffield, UK (g.j.robinson@sheffield.ac.uk)
It argues that in the last few years, major (but separate) policy changes affecting both the criminal courts and probation services have, in combination, brought about significant changes to the speed and nature of pre-sentence probation work. This is nowhere more evident than in the production of pre-sentence reports, which are today mostly prepared on the day of request and delivered orally (rather than as a written report) in the courtroom. Contemporary probation work in the English Magistrates’ courts, it is argued, bears all the hallmarks of a process of ‘McDonaldization’ as described by the sociologist George Ritzer (1993). The research found that all four dimensions of McDonaldization described by Ritzer – efficiency, calculability, predictability and control – were clearly evident in the organisation and practice of pre-sentence probation work, and each of these dimensions is discussed and illustrated.
Gwen is currently working on another article which will explore how probation practitioners in court teams are experiencing the process of ‘McDonaldization’. Taking his lead from Max Weber, Ritzer suggested that McDonaldized workplaces may be experienced in a variety of ways: as an oppressive ‘iron cage’ from which there is no escape; as a ‘rubber cage’, the bars of which can be stretched to allow for a degree of escape; or even as a ‘velvet cage’ which offers comfort through its predictability and ritualized procedures.
Click on the link to read the full article “Delivering McJustice? The Probation Factory at the Magistrates’ Court” .
Related News
Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.
New
Uncategorized
Help Us Improve the CEP Website
07/01/2026
At Confederation of European Probation (CEP), we want to make sure our website continues to support our mission and the work of our community in the best possible way.
We are inviting you to take part in a short survey that takes around six minutes. Your feedback will help us understand what is working well and where the website can be improved.
New
Prison
From Challenges to Solutions: Mapping European Strategies on Prison Overcrowding
06/01/2026
EuroPris has published a new report titled From Challenges to Solutions: Mapping European Strategies on Prison Overcrowding. The report provides an overview of how prison administrations across Europe are addressing prison overcrowding and their responses to it.
The mapping exercise was conducted between April and September 2025. It is based on structured survey responses from 33 national and regional prison administrations, representing approximately 80% of EuroPris members. The findings are complemented by expert interviews and institutional input.
New
Probation in Europe
New calls for proposals under the CERV and Justice programmes!
05/01/2026
Discover the first 2026 calls and do not miss the opportunity to apply.
Reading corner
Probation in Europe
The Routledge Handbook of European Penology
05/01/2026
The Routledge Handbook of European Penology, published by Routledge. This comprehensive volume has been edited by Sonja Snacken, Gaëtan Cliquennois, Ioan Durnescu, Diete Humblet and Elena Larrauri.
New
Domestic violence, Gender-based violence
Practitioner guidance for supporting neurodivergent clients in domestic abuse work
23/12/2025
A new practitioner guide is currently being piloted across the UK that aims to support professionals working with neurodivergent clients for more inclusive domestic abuse perpetrator interventions. The guide has been co developed for domestic abuse perpetrator intervention practitioners who work with neurodivergent clients, translating research findings into practical guidance for day to day practice.
New
Probation in Europe
New Vodcast Episode: Christoph Koss on Probation and Parole in Austria
22/12/2025
The 17th episode of Division_Y features Christoph Koss, Director of the NEUSTART Association for Probation and Parole, Restorative Justice, and Social Work in Austria.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.