Lecture 6: Prison Abolition Flashcards
What critique does Chantraine offer regarding attempts at penal reform, and what outcome does this criticism suggest?
Chantraine contends that attempts at penal reform often perpetuate the prison system rather than transforming it.
The critique highlights the monotonous nature of reforms, relying on repetitive techniques and knowledge, ultimately leading to the replication of similar prisons.
This perspective views reformism as futile, akin to the concept of ‘MAD’ (making the same action while expecting different results), suggesting that repeated efforts in reform yield little change in outcomes.
What does the Durkheimian argument by Chamberlen and Carvalho suggest about the cycle of prison reform?
Chamberlen and Carvalho’s Durkheimian argument highlights a cycle in prison reform where the narrative often revolves around issues like inadequate resources, lack of security, or insufficient training for prison staff.
Despite portraying prisons as out of control, the emphasis remains on reinforcing their necessity due to the perception of inherent danger within prisons and the presence of dangerous individuals.
The argument suggests a paradox: acknowledging the need for prisons while simultaneously advocating for their reform, perpetuating a cycle where prisons are deemed necessary yet in need of continuous improvement.
What are the key concepts advocated by prison abolitionists regarding the criminal justice system?
Prison abolition challenges the effectiveness and morality of incarceration as a response to crime.
It questions traditional notions of justice by highlighting the problematic nature of crime and punishment.
Advocates of prison abolition propose structural reforms in handling and conceptualizing crime.
Abolitionists argue that reforming the existing criminal justice system isn’t sufficient; instead, they advocate for its complete dismantling. They propose redirecting societal investments towards communities and exploring alternative approaches to address harm.
What critique does Gelsthorpe offer regarding the concept of ‘criminal justice,’ and how does it relate to social inequalities?
Gelsthorpe challenges the notion of ‘criminal justice’ by highlighting how social inequalities in poverty, housing, employment, health, and environment impact social citizenship and justice.
The concept questions why certain acts are criminalized, how responses are chosen, and how historical and material factors shape these responses, making the idea of ‘justice for all’ questionable.
What perspective do abolitionists offer regarding the effectiveness of prison reform and the nature of punishment systems?
Abolitionists argue that current punishment systems cannot achieve justice, fairness, or humanity.
They emphasize that problems attributed to the criminal punishment system (e.g., high recidivism rates, racial disparities) are inherent to its intended operation, systematically favoring the interests of marginalized groups.
Abolitionists view attempts to make prisons more legitimate or humane as deceitful, asserting that such efforts are fundamentally flawed.
How do traditional reformers and abolitionists differ in their approaches to addressing problems related to the aging prison population and prison overcrowding?
Aging prison population:
Traditional reformers advocate for new funding for specialized services to address issues.
Abolitionists push for early or compassionate release for this demographic.
Prison overcrowding:
Traditional reformers call for increased resources allocated to prisons.
Abolitionists advocate for the immediate release of specific prisoner groups and suggest repealing laws and policies that disproportionately funnel marginalized individuals into prisons.
