^aSchool of Applied Social Science, University of Brighton, Falmer Campus, Mayfield House, 234, Brighton BN1 9PH, UK. E-mail: p.a.squires@brighton.ac.uk

Abstract

Tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) was given central place in the 2004–2008 Home Office Strategic Plan, Tony Blair describing his government's policy agenda as a cultural 'crusade'. Scholarly attention has often focused upon the implementation of the ASB management agenda but rather less attention has been given to the fast-moving politics behind the developing ASB debate. Following an introductory discussion connecting the 'narrow politics' of ASB strategy to a wider analysis of social divisions and the state of cultural politics in contemporary Britain, the article proceeds to consider 'four phases' embracing key changes, developments and turning points in the politics of ASB.