Injustice and Prophecy in the Age of Mass Incarceration: The Politics of Sanity

The UK and US disproportionately incarcerate the mentally ill, frequently poor people of color, due to a persecution of the prophetic at the heart of the contemporary criminal justice system. This interdisciplinary book draws on criminology, theology, philosophy, sociology, psychology, and psychiatric history to consider the issue of mass incarceration and defend the dignity of those diagnosed as mentally unstable and their capacity for spiritual transcendence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Why do the UK and US disproportionately incarcerate the mentally ill, frequently poor people of color?

Andrew Skotnicki, in his interdisciplinary book, delves into the complex issue of mass incarceration by examining the disproportionate imprisonment of mentally ill individuals, often from marginalized communities, in the UK and US. Through a series of re-framings of the question, encompassing theological, socioeconomic, and psychological perspectives, Skotnicki identifies a persecution of the prophetic at the core of the contemporary criminal justice system.

Drawing on a wide range of disciplines, including criminology, theology, philosophy, sociology, psychology, and psychiatric history, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the issue. It challenges the notion that mass incarceration is solely a result of criminal behavior and argues that it is also driven by broader social and economic factors. The book advocates for a penal reform that recognizes the inherent dignity of those diagnosed with mental instability and their potential for spiritual transcendence.

By inviting a new and collaborative conversation on penal reform, the book seeks to challenge the status quo and promote a more life-affirming approach to addressing the challenges of mental health and social inequality. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, systemic racism, and lack of access to education and healthcare, rather than solely focusing on punishment and incarceration.

Through its insightful analysis and compelling arguments, "Why Do the UK and US Disproportionately Incarcerate the Mentally Ill, Frequently Poor People of Color?" offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about criminal justice reform and the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529222210