Lecturer's claim that riots could spread to Scottish cities
A criminologist and sociologist in Dundee has said he would not be "massively surprised" to see riots spread to Scottish cities.
- By Stefan Morkis
- Published in the Courier : 11.08.11
- Published online : 11.08.11 @ 02.43pm
Abertay University lecturer Dr Stuart Waiton said a lack of respect for authority was at the root of the disturbances.
The riots have caused widespread property damage and led to looting in several English cities, including London, Manchester and Birmingham, over the past few days.
Dr Waiton, who is also chairman of research group Youth Generation Issues and author of the book Scared Of The Kids, said youths involved in rioting had become disconnected from their communities and wider society.
He said although this situation has not deteriorated as badly north of the border as it has in England, riots here would not be a shock.
He said, "I would not be massively surprised if they happened in Scotland — there are a few key differences, but also similarities.
"I don't see the police being any more authoritative."
He added, "Like in England they have turned themselves into social workers rather than dealing with crime.
"The sense of authority and trust and belief in institutions in Scotland is no different. I don't think people are any more engaged with these institutions."
Adults 'impotent'
Dr Waiton said, "I also think there is excessive policing where there shouldn't be — all these community safety initiatives encourage adults to take a back seat.
"Basically, adults have been made to be impotent."
Dr Waiton said this week's clashes have little in common with earlier riots that took place in London in the 1980s.
"In contrast to the 1980s, and what was interesting to see, was that the police basically stood back on the first night of trouble," he said.
"This is nothing to do with their kit. They are more tooled up than they were in the 1980s.
"There was a crisis of authority within the police itself in terms of what to do and how to act."
He added, "Police have turned themselves into a community support service... so when something like this happened they just stood back."
Dr Waiton said there is no political element to the disturbances.
He said, "The second thing that is also very different from the 1980s is that then riots were a reaction to severe racial persecution within specific, very poor communities.
"In a sense the riots were a reflection of those communities."
03.37pm - 11.08.2011 gnasher - dundee, angus Report This
Another interllectual trying to be recognised ??
03.45pm - 11.08.2011 Dee4Life - Dundee, Scotland Report This
There have been no riots in Scotland since 1919. Since 1919 there has been 28 instances of riots in England, 16 in London. That is nearly a riot every 3 years in England. This shows that Scotland and England behave totally different to social, economic and political issues.
05.53pm - 11.08.2011 Alexander - Montrose, Angus Report This
A young laddie got arrested for saying almost the same thing on a social site, how irresponsible is this lecturer, he should get a wee visit from the boys in blue, soon as.
06.26pm - 11.08.2011 T.Butchers - Dundee, uk Report This
Sounds like the answer has just plopped from this ivory tower.....and he has books to sell!
08.02pm - 11.08.2011 Dundee Father - Dundee, Scotland Report This
In the 1980s the police were too aggressive. Now they are too passive. When the next riot/demonstration happens no doubt Dr Waiton or one of his peers will pop up to offer the benefit of their years in the halls of academia. Second guessing a speciality. Who would be a policeman in this country?
11.28pm - 11.08.2011 Former student - Forfar, Scotland Report This
No one at Abertay has any idea about anything....worse uni in the UK.
07.21am - 12.08.2011 Charlie - Dundee, UK Report This
Dundee Faither I would. Ever thought if looking up the salary, expenses, not including reduced mortgages the police get? Years ago, the police served a public. Nowadays they are too passive, something they endorsed. No, more interested in getting through the day and picking up the pay cheque.
10.22am - 12.08.2011 Dundee Father - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Charlie, Reduced Mortgages? Evidence, please. If you mean Housing Allowance, it was abolished in the mid 90s, but don't let the facts get in your way.
12.24am - 13.08.2011 CharliE - Dundee, UK Report This
Reduced RATES on mortgages, Dundee Faither. Ask a policeman. ANY policeman, or policewoman. I added that bit as I would hate to become a victim to more pedantry.
12.26am - 13.08.2011 Mike D - Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom Report This
@ Former Student Abertay has better reports than Forfar's Uni.
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