The Rhetoric of Resistance to Prison Education: How the "War on Crime" Became the "War on Criminals"

This book explores the discourse and rhetoric that resist and oppose postsecondary prison education, arguing that prison college programs are the best method to reduce recidivism, but face internal resistance from fellow inmates and external opposition from the public and politicians. It utilizes critical rhetorical history, media analysis, and autoethnography to examine and critique the discourses that inhibit prison education, highlighting the history of rhetorical opposition, the impact of convictism, prejudicial and discriminatory bias, and the implications of prison education for understanding and contesting cultural discourses of criminality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 106 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive exploration delves into the intricate discourse and rhetoric that challenges and opposes postsecondary prison education. Positioning prison college programs as the most effective means to reduce recidivism, the book sheds light on the persistent opposition to public funding for these initiatives, as well as the internal resistance faced by prisoners who pursue higher education. Through a rigorous analysis, the author employs critical rhetorical history, media analysis, and autoethnography to examine and critique the discourses that hinder prison education.

Cultural discourses, perpetuated through media portrayals of prisoners, dehumanize them and perpetuate the notion that they are always a threat to the public. This book highlights the historical backdrop of rhetorical opposition to prison education, meticulously dissects how convictism, prejudicial and discriminatory biases against prisoners, impede access to education and contribute to the perpetuation of the prison-industrial-complex, ensuring an endless supply of free prison labor. Furthermore, it delves into the profound implications of prison education for understanding and challenging cultural discourses of criminality.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars, graduate students, and upper-level undergraduates specializing in Rhetoric, Criminal justice, Sociology, Media and Communication studies, Politics, and Education studies. Its comprehensive approach and insightful analysis provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics surrounding prison education and its impact on society.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032039596