... is no single set of factors that can account for a complete understanding of punishment, and punishment is (not)-simply a complex social construct (cited in Ruddell ,2005, p.8). In this paper firstly I will explore and analyze the social and political context of crime, and assess the theoretical frameworks that form the notions and policies that deal with punishment, and particularly with imprisonment. Afterwards, I will focus on the comparison of Italy and the United States with an emphasis to their political, social, cultural and religion context. As Mellosi (2001) mentioned in his study the Cultural embeddedness of social control, these two societies (Italy and US) would seem to place a very different emphasis on importance of punishment- a difference that has become notable in terms of imprisonment rates in the last 25 years or so. This is more true when takes into consideration the international comparisons, ...

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