The Virtual Reality of Imprisonment in Russia: 'Preparing myself for Prison' in a Contested Human Rights Landscape

This book explores the online expressions of penal life in Russia,de-nesting from institutional moorings and borders,and explores how prisoners and their families articulate and give meaning to their experiences online,developing their rights awareness. It is a pioneering methodological, criminological, and theoretical study, the first of its kind in global criminology and humanities, and a map for other researchers to use.

Format: Hardback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book delves into the intricate tapestry of online expressions of penal life, challenging the traditional human encounters that form the foundation of empirical criminological scholarship on prisons. In a figurative sense, prisons in Russia are undergoing a remarkable process of de-nesting from their institutional moorings and boundaries, transcending the confines of traditional scholarship.

To explore this dynamic realm, the book employs the online world of Runet as its primary research site, drawing upon selectively gathered secondary data from prison-related websites. Through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, it delves into the 'moving walls of the prison,' examining them from socio-political and cultural perspectives.

The book's central focus lies in examining how prisoners and their families articulate and assign meaning to their online experiences, thereby fostering their rights awareness. It sheds light on the complex interplay between technology, social networks, and the penal system, highlighting the ways in which prisoners utilize the internet to navigate the challenges of their incarcerated lives, maintain connections with loved ones, and advocate for their rights.

This pioneering methodological, criminological, and theoretical study stands as a groundbreaking contribution to global criminology and humanities. It pioneers a new path for penal scholarship, offering valuable insights and guidance for researchers across diverse fields. While it cannot encompass every aspect of the complex subject matter, it serves as a valuable 'map' for other scholars to navigate and explore the intricate terrain of prisons, rights, and the evolving role of the internet in the lives of prisoners, their families, and communities organized around prison activism.

The book's relevance extends to scholars engaged in comparative studies and jurisdictions focused on prisons, rights, and the utilization of the internet by prisoners, their families, and communities engaged in prison activism. It provides a rich tapestry of perspectives and methodologies, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play within the penal system and its impact on individuals and society as a whole.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking book disrupts conventional paradigms and offers a fresh perspective on the online expressions of penal life. Through its meticulous research, comprehensive analysis, and innovative approach, it contributes significantly to our understanding of the evolving landscape of prisons, rights, and the digital age. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike, paving the way for further exploration and progress in this critical field.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138103351