Forensic Psychologists: Prisons, Power, and Vulnerability

This book explores how forensic psychology has come to occupy a central unifying discursive presence in the life world of modern carceral institutions. It provides a sociological and qualitative account of forensic practitioner psychologists and explores how they simultaneously occupy positions of power and vulnerability. It offers a novel and complete exploration of forensic psychology, the modern prison, and power.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2020
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

This captivating book delves into the fascinating realm of forensic psychology, shedding light on its pervasive presence within modern carceral institutions. Through a sociological and qualitative lens, the author intricately examines the lives and work of forensic practitioner psychologists, exploring their simultaneous occupation of power and vulnerability. By delving into both the internal dynamics of these practitioners and their interactions with other forms of penal control, the book offers a groundbreaking exploration of forensic psychology, the modern prison, and power. This accessible text is a valuable resource for prison practitioners, criminological and sociological researchers, and forensic psychologists seeking to understand the intricacies and realities of forensic psychological practice in the contemporary prisons of England and Wales.

Forensic psychology has seamlessly integrated itself into the fabric of modern carceral institutions, assuming a central and unifying discursive role within the lives of these institutions. This book, authored by a sociologist, provides a comprehensive qualitative account of forensic practitioner psychologists, offering a unique perspective by examining both their work and their positions within the system. By exploring how these practitioners simultaneously occupy positions of power and vulnerability, the author offers a novel and comprehensive exploration of forensic psychology, the modern prison, and power.

The book delves into the intricate ways in which practitioners themselves embody a pervasive system of disciplinary expertise. It sheds light on the processes through which they acquire and consolidate this expertise, as well as the challenges and ethical dilemmas they face in their work. Furthermore, the book extends its inquiry beyond the practitioners themselves, examining how they experience other forms of penal control within the carceral system. It explores the ways in which forensic psychology is used as a tool for surveillance, discipline, and control, as well as the potential implications of this use for both practitioners and the individuals they work with.

One of the key strengths of this book is its accessibility to a wide range of audiences. It is written in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible to prison practitioners, criminological and sociological researchers, and forensic psychologists alike. The author's use of case studies and real-world examples helps to bring the complexities of forensic psychology to life, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the nature and reality of forensic psychological practice in the contemporary prisons of England and Wales.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of forensic psychology, the modern prison, and power. It offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complex dynamics that shape the lives and work of forensic practitioner psychologists within these institutions. By shedding light on their power and vulnerability, the book provides valuable insights into the broader societal implications of forensic psychology and its role in the carceral system.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 185 x 238 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839099618