The Modern Prison Paradox: Politics, Punishment, and Social Community
 |
| Anteprima |
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.
