Sound, Order and Survival in Prison: The Rhythms and Routines of HMP Midtown

The soundscape of prison life is a cacophonous din that has significant implications for those who live and work with it, as explored in Kate Herritys sensory criminology. Her book offers a unique perspective on the social world of a UK prison community through aural ethnography, challenging current thinking on power and incarceration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The soundscape of prison life is characterized by constant clangs, bangs, and jangles, creating a cacophonous din that permeates every aspect of the prison environment. This book tells the story of a year spent with a UK prison community, bringing its social world vividly to life through aural ethnography. Kate Herrity's sensory criminology challenges current thinking on how power is experienced by the imprisoned and the lasting effects of incarceration for all who spend time in these environments.

The soundscape of prison life is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has significant implications for those who live and work within it. The constant clangs, bangs, and jangles that characterize the prison environment create a cacophonous din that can be overwhelming and distressing for inmates and staff alike. This book seeks to explore the significance of this cacophonous din to those who live and work with it, and to provide a deeper understanding of the social world of the prison community.

The book is based on a year-long study of a UK prison community conducted by Kate Herrity, a sensory criminologist. Herrity's approach to criminology is unique in that it focuses on the sensory experiences of individuals within the criminal justice system, rather than just the cognitive or behavioral aspects. This approach allows Herrity to gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which power is experienced by the imprisoned and the lasting effects of incarceration for all who spend time in these environments.

One of the key findings of Herrity's study is that the soundscape of prison life is a powerful tool for social control. The constant clangs, bangs, and jangles that characterize the prison environment can be used to intimidate and control inmates, as well as to maintain order and discipline within the prison. This can have a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of inmates, as well as on their ability to reintegrate into society upon release.

Herrity also found that the soundscape of prison life can have a negative impact on the staff who work within the prison. The constant noise and stress can lead to burnout, stress-related illnesses, and even suicide. This can have a significant impact on the quality of care that inmates receive, as well as on the safety of the prison staff.

In addition to its impact on the imprisoned and the staff, the soundscape of prison life can also have a negative impact on the wider community. The constant noise and disruption can lead to increased crime and violence in the surrounding area, as well as to a sense of fear and insecurity among the local population. This can have a negative impact on the quality of life for everyone in the area, and can make it difficult for businesses and organizations to operate in the area.

To address these issues, Herrity suggests a number of strategies that can be used to improve the soundscape of prison life. These include the use of noise-reducing materials, the implementation of noise-control policies, and the provision of mental health support for both inmates and staff. Herrity also suggests that the wider community should be involved in the process of improving the soundscape of prison life, as they have a stake in the safety and well-being of the community.

One of the challenges that Herrity faced in conducting her study was the ethical implications of studying the soundscape of prison life. She was aware that the study could potentially harm the inmates and staff, and that it could also be used to justify the use of harsh and punitive measures within the prison system. To address these ethical concerns, Herrity worked closely with the prison authorities and the inmates and staff to ensure that the study was conducted in a respectful and ethical manner.

In conclusion, the soundscape of prison life is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has significant implications for those who live and work within it. Kate Herrity's sensory criminology provides a unique perspective on the ways in which power is experienced by the imprisoned and the lasting effects of incarceration for all who spend time in these environments. By exploring the significance of the soundscape of prison life, Herrity offers a number of strategies that can be used to improve the soundscape of prison life and to address the negative impact that it has on the wider community.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529229455