Punishing Places: The Geography of Mass Imprisonment

Punishing Places argues that mass incarceration is a legacy of U.S. racial residential segregation and presents novel measures for estimating the community-level effects of incarceration using spatial, quantitative, and qualitative methods. It has broad and urgent implications for policy reforms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Punishing Places, a groundbreaking work of spatial analysis, delves into the pervasive issue of mass incarceration in the United States. It reveals a startling trend: the highest imprisonment rates are now found in small cities, suburbs, and rural areas. In her compelling argument, Jessica Simes posits that mass incarceration should be viewed as a lasting legacy of U.S. racial residential segregation, yet the predominant focus on large cities has diverted crucial scholarly and policy attention from the communities most severely impacted by this phenomenon.

To address this gap, Punishing Places offers a novel approach to estimating the community-level effects of incarceration. Employing a combination of spatial, quantitative, and qualitative methods, the book provides a comprehensive analysis that sheds light on the far-reaching consequences of mass incarceration. Its findings have profound and urgent implications for policy reforms aimed at mitigating the adverse community impacts of mass incarceration and exploring alternative approaches to criminal justice.

One of the key insights of Punishing Places is the recognition that mass incarceration is not a mere urban problem but a societal issue that permeates all corners of the country. The book highlights the disproportionate impact of incarceration on communities of color, low-income individuals, and marginalized communities. It underscores the need for a holistic and equitable approach to addressing the root causes of crime and promoting social well-being.

To achieve this, Punishing Places proposes a range of policy recommendations. It advocates for investing in community-based programs and services that address the root causes of crime, such as education, job training, and mental health support. It also calls for reforming sentencing practices, reducing the over-incarceration of non-violent offenders, and promoting alternatives to incarceration, such as probation and drug treatment programs.

Moreover, Punishing Places emphasizes the importance of community engagement and participation in the process of addressing mass incarceration. It encourages policymakers and community leaders to work together to develop solutions that are tailored to the specific needs and challenges of their communities. By fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility, Punishing Places aims to empower communities to take control of their destinies and create a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, Punishing Places is a seminal work that offers a fresh perspective on mass incarceration in the United States. Through its innovative spatial analysis and compelling argument, the book sheds light on the far-reaching consequences of this phenomenon and provides a roadmap for policy reforms that aim to promote social justice and equity. By focusing on the communities most affected by mass incarceration, Punishing Places seeks to empower communities to take control of their destinies and create a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520380332