Barbara Wootton

Barbara Wootton (1897–1988) was a British social scientist and criminologist known for her work on crime, social justice, and public policy. She believed that societal factors, such as inequality and social environment, significantly influence criminal behavior. Wootton advocated for evidence-based approaches to reforming justice systems, emphasizing prevention and social support rather than punishment alone. Her work helped shape modern criminology and highlighted the importance of integrating social sciences with policymaking to create fairer, more effective responses to crime and social issues.