For Abolition: Essays on Prisons and Socialist Ethics

A systematic critique of imprisonment which challenges established views and myths. Examines why there still exists so much political and other misguided support for a long failing institution.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 268 pages
\n Publication date: 05 November 2020
\n Publisher: Waterside Press
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Laws, akin to cobwebs, may capture fleeting insects like flies, yet they offer little protection against larger creatures like wasps and hornets. This book explores the interconnectedness of the politics of abolition to broader emancipatory movements for liberation and social justice. It posits that penal abolitionism should be recognized as a vital public critical pedagogy and philosophy of hope that can rejuvenate democracy and guide society toward a future devoid of prisons. Drawing upon socialist ethics of dignity, empathy, freedom, and a vision of life, For Abolition critically examines imprisonment as a state institution that perpetuates social death.

The book argues that the abolitionist movement must transcend its narrow focus on the release of individuals from captivity and embrace a broader vision of societal transformation. It advocates for the dismantling of the carceral state, which perpetuates inequality, violence, and social exclusion. Instead, the book proposes a vision of a society that values human rights, social justice, and the well-being of all its members.

To achieve this goal, the book offers a systematic critique of imprisonment as a state institution. It examines the historical roots of imprisonment, its social and economic consequences, and the ways in which it reinforces power structures and perpetuates discrimination. The book also explores alternative models of justice and rehabilitation that prioritize community-based support, restorative justice, and harm reduction.

Furthermore, For Abolition emphasizes the importance of building solidarity and collective action within the abolitionist movement. It calls upon individuals and organizations to recognize the interconnectedness of different forms of oppression and to work together to dismantle them. The book also highlights the role of education and awareness-raising in promoting abolitionist values and practices.

In conclusion, For Abolition offers a powerful and thought-provoking analysis of the politics of abolition and its potential to create a more just and equitable society. By connecting the struggle for abolition to broader emancipatory movements, the book provides a roadmap for building a world without prisons and promoting a society that values human rights, social justice, and the well-being of all its members.

\n Weight: 484g\n
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781909976825\n \n