European University Institute Library

The modern prison paradox, politics, punishment, and social community, Amy E. Lerman, Assistant Professor of Politics and Public Affairs, Princeton University

eng

index present

non fiction

The modern prison paradox

electronic resource

dictionaries

883412137

Amy E. Lerman, Assistant Professor of Politics and Public Affairs, Princeton University

Cambridge Social Sciences eBooks

politics, punishment, and social community

In The Modern Prison Paradox, Amy E. Lerman examines the shift from rehabilitation to punitivism that has taken place in the politics and practice of American corrections. She argues that this punitive turn has had profoundly negative consequences for both crime control and American community life. Professor Lerman's research shows that spending time in America's increasingly violent and castigatory prisons strengthens inmates' criminal networks and fosters attitudes that increase the likelihood of criminal activity following parole. Additionally, Professor Lerman assesses whether America's more punitive prisons similarly shape the social attitudes and behaviors of correctional staff. Her analysis reveals that working in more punitive prisons causes correctional officers to develop an 'us against them' mentality while on the job, and that the stress and wariness officers acquire at work carries over into their personal lives, straining relationships with partners, children, and friends.--, Provided by publisher

The modern prison paradox -- Symbolic politics, crime control, and the punitive turn -- Public policy, punishment, and the creation of fractured community -- The culture and consequence of prison institutions: the case of California -- The social effects of incarceration -- The social effects of prison work -- From individuals to communities -- Criminal justice, community, and the road to reform -- Epilogue (or: how I went to Berkeley and wound up in prison)