Lack of Authority Behind Lawlessness in U.K.
From Scotland, Stuart Waiton claims that not only has there been a lack of policing and assertion of authority shown by police in the recent U.K. riots, that’s been the case for years.
![](https://preprod.bigthink.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/origin-230.jpg?w=160&h=106&crop=1)
What’s the Latest Development?
From Scotland, youth charity director and criminologist Stuart Waiton says its the impotent approach taken by police that has helped encourage the U.K.’s copycat riots. “Consequently, a relatively minor event in London that could and should have easily been nipped in the bud has escalated.”
What’s the Big Idea?
Waiton says that what has helped create a “disconnected and self-absorbed group of youngsters” is the undermining of adult authority and the “more patronising and morally vacuous self-esteem obsessed approach of authorities and educationalists.” “Coupled with a confused and impotent police force, the result has been mayhem,” he claims.