The “bumhug” Of Sociology (Press, 28 June 1975)

"Permissive Britain" by Christie Davies explores the evolution of societal attitudes towards morality and law in the context of increasing permissiveness in Western society. The book, which is structured as a serious sociological study, delves into various contentious areas such as drug dependence, abortion, homosexuality, promiscuity, and censorship. Davies, a sociologist, challenges the reader’s expectations by offering alternative perspectives on these issues. For instance, he controversially links the decline of the British Empire to greater acceptance of homosexual behaviour, arguing that the needs of the Empire once dictated repressive attitudes towards homosexuals to maintain military discipline. According to Davies, a significant shift has occurred in the last two decades where the foundation of criminal law is transitioning from traditional moral codes to a framework based on "causality." This means laws are being evaluated not on moral grounds but on the perceived outcomes they produce, with the aim of reducing harm. The book explains how changes in law are increasingly driven by empirical analysis rather than ideological beliefs. Davies discusses various examples, such as capital punishment, where lawmakers debate whether its existence causes more harm than good versus the fear of losing a deterrent. He illustrates that while many laws have shifted towards more permissive attitudes, cases like the breathalyser demonstrate that certain regulations can be justified when less individual freedom is seen as in society's best interest. Through careful argumentation, Davies positions himself as a reform advocate, particularly against censorship, while expressing his discomfort with the broader implications of the permissive society. He underscores a societal paradox where individuals demand moral accountability from society despite living in an era where moral expectations on them are minimal. This paradox contributes to increased unhappiness, stemming from the ease with which superficial pleasures can be obtained, which often lack long-term satisfaction. Davies presents a case for reintroducing self-discipline, using the "Synanon" model from the United States as a successful framework for drug rehabilitation. He argues that rigorous self-control is essential for confronting self-destructive behaviours, suggesting that structured smaller societies may be necessary to instil a sense of purpose. His work critiques the rampant promotion of instant gratification which can render people miserable, advocating for a balance between immediate pleasures and delayed gratification. Additionally, he offers a cynical view on the sociology profession, questioning the sincerity and efficacy of sociologists who often discuss deviance without engaging with it substantively. Overall, "Permissive Britain" stands as a thought-provoking critique of societal changes, exploring the complexities of human behaviour, morality, and the implications of increasing permissiveness in British society during the 1970s. The text encourages reflection on how societal norms are evolving and challenges the reader to think critically about the nature of morality and its role within contemporary culture.

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