The Deviant Prison: Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary and the Origins of America's Modern Penal System, 1829-1913

The Auburn and Pennsylvania systems were the two dominant models of American prisons in the early nineteenth century. By the end of the Civil War, the Auburn system had been adopted by most prisons, except for Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary, which was criticized for its outdated and inhuman model of prison administration. Ashley T. Rubin's book "The Deviant Prison" examines why Eastern's administrators clung to this model and what it tells us about penal reform in an era when prisons were still new and carefully scrutinized.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 412 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the early 19th century, American prisons adopted two dominant models: the Auburn system, where prisoners worked in factories during the day and spent the night in solitary confinement, and the Pennsylvania system, where prisoners were confined in solitary for 24 hours a day throughout their sentences. By the end of the Civil War, the Auburn system had become the norm in most American prisons, with the exception of Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary. This unique institution became the subject of much criticism and fascination, as it stood in stark contrast to the prevailing prison practices of the time.

In his book "The Deviant Prison," Ashley T. Rubin examines the anxieties and challenges faced by nineteenth-century prison administrators, particularly in the case of Eastern State Penitentiary. Drawing on organizational theory, Rubin provides a detailed account of prison life, the institution, and key actors. He explores why Eastern's administrators clung to an outdated and inhuman model of prison, despite growing criticism and public scrutiny.

Rubin's analysis sheds light on the broader implications of this historical case study. He argues that the commitment of Eastern's administrators to the Auburn system reveals much about penal reform in an era when prisons were still new and carefully scrutinized. The book provides a valuable insight into the historical roots of our contemporary prison system and the challenges that remain in addressing the issues of incarceration and rehabilitation.

Overall, "The Deviant Prison" is a thought-provoking and informative book that offers a valuable perspective on the history and evolution of American prisons. Rubin's meticulous research and analysis provide a rich account of prison life and the challenges faced by nineteenth-century prison administrators. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in criminal justice, history, and the broader social implications of incarceration.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108718882