Purgatory Citizenship: Reentry, Race, and Abolition

Reentry after release from incarceration is a complex and precarious journey, with diminished legal rights and amplified social stigmas. Calvin John Smiley's research finds that reentry requires the recently released to negotiate a web of disjointed and often contradictory systems that serve as an extension of the carceral system, leaving them in a state of limbo and locked in a cycle of perpetual punishment. Purgatory Citizenship advocates for abolitionist solutions rooted in the visions of the people most affected.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

Reentry after release from incarceration is often portrayed as a tale of redemption, but this is not the case. Those who are released face a challenging and complex journey, navigating a system that diminishes their legal rights and amplifies social stigmas. The reentry process is often confusing, intricate, and precarious, making it a daunting task for those who have just been released from prison.

In his groundbreaking research, Calvin John Smiley conducted life-history interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic fieldwork with low-income urban residents of color, primarily Black men. Through his research, Smiley discovered that reentry requires the recently released to negotiate a web of disjointed and often contradictory systems that serve as an extension of the carceral system. These systems, which include job training programs, housing assistance, and mental health services, are fragmented and often inadequate, leaving the recently released to fend for themselves.

Moreover, the recently released are not fully free. They are in a state of limbo, deprived of opportunity and support while being locked in a cycle of perpetual punishment. The consequences of reentry are far-reaching, impacting not only the individuals themselves but also their families, communities, and society as a whole.

One of the most concerning aspects of reentry is the prevalence of recidivism. Studies have shown that individuals who are released from prison are at a high risk of reoffending, often due to a lack of access to necessary resources and support. This cycle of incarceration perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty, marginalization, and social exclusion, which is detrimental to both individuals and society as a whole.

To address the challenges of reentry, Purgatory Citizenship advocates for abolitionist solutions rooted in the visions of the people most affected. Rather than focusing on reforming the carceral system, which only serves to further entrench it, the book proposes a radical shift towards abolition. This means dismantling the carceral system and replacing it with a system that prioritizes rehabilitation, community support, and social justice.

One of the key components of abolitionist solutions is the recognition of the human rights of individuals who have been incarcerated. This includes the right and the right to access education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities. It also means addressing the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, racism, and social inequality, which are the root causes of crime and violence.

Moreover, abolitionist solutions recognize the importance of community-based support and empowerment. This means building strong relationships between the community and the criminal justice system, and providing resources and support to individuals who have been released from prison. This includes job training programs, housing assistance, and mental health services, as well as programs that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and addiction.

In conclusion, reentry after release from incarceration is a complex and challenging journey that requires a comprehensive and abolitionist approach. By recognizing the human rights and the rights of individuals who have been incarcerated, and by addressing the root causes of incarceration, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society. Purgatory system.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 227 x 153 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520385993