Violence in Pursuit of Health: Living with HIV in the American Prison System

This book explores how violence is used by HIV-positive inmates in a US State prison system to access healthcare and welfare benefits,and how they use harm to their bodies and social standing to improve their health and wellbeing. It is based on ethnographic research in seven penal facilities in New England and includes accounts from inmates, prison staff, healthcare providers, ex-offenders, and community social workers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 197 pages
Publication date: 03 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into a unique examination of the contextual factors that contribute to the perpetuation of violence among inmates living with HIV within a US State prison system. While imprisonment is recognized as the sole space where Americans have a constitutional right to healthcare, research findings indicate that accessing these care services and associated welfare benefits often necessitates a certain level of violence. This book meticulously documents the strategies employed by HIV-positive inmates to gain agency and improve their health and well-being, both within the prison environment and upon their re-entry into the community.

The research is primarily based on ethnographic studies conducted in seven penal facilities located in New England. The accounts provided by inmates, prison staff, healthcare providers, ex-offenders, and community social workers form the foundation of this insightful work. By focusing on ethnographic research, the book offers a profound understanding of the complex dynamics and challenges faced by these individuals.

This book appeals to a wide range of scholars and policymakers interested in prisons, violence, health, and ethnographic research. It provides valuable insights into the experiences of inmates living with HIV and sheds light on the systemic issues that contribute to their vulnerability and marginalization. The book's findings have the potential to inform policy decisions and practices aimed at improving the health and well-being of incarcerated individuals and reducing the prevalence of violence in prison settings.

In conclusion, this book offers a groundbreaking exploration of the intersection of violence, healthcare, and incarceration, providing a valuable contribution to the field of criminal justice and social sciences. Its comprehensive approach and rich ethnographic data make it an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of these issues and work towards a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 285g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030613525
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021