What Are Prisons For?

Prisons are a complex issue, with different perspectives on their effectiveness. Hindpal Singh Bhui argues that we need to look at who is sent there and why, and consider the voices of prisoners, staff, and victims to find a better way to achieve society's goals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 26 March 2024
Publisher: Bristol University Press

More than eleven million people are currently locked up in prisons across the world, but does that mean that prison actually works? The answer usually depends on what people believe and feel about crime, punishment, and what happens inside prisons. The deep social and personal impact of prisons demands that we try to search for a better understanding of the evidence and ideas that have made prisons so ubiquitous. Hindpal Singh Bhui, with 25 years of visiting and working in prisons worldwide, argues that we need to look at who is sent there and why, to disentangle reality from ideology and myth. Introducing the competing histories of prisons and allowing the voices of prisoners, prison staff, and victims to be heard, he asks whether there is a better way to achieve what society wants from its prisons.

Prisons have been a part of human society for centuries, serving as a means of punishment and rehabilitation for those who have broken the law. However, the design and operation of prisons have evolved over time, and there is ongoing debate about what constitutes a "good" prison. One key aspect of a good prison is its ability to rehabilitate prisoners and help them reintegrate into society. This includes providing education, job training, and mental health services to help prisoners develop the skills they need to succeed in life outside of prison. Another important factor is the safety and security of prisoners and staff. Prisons should be designed to prevent violence and protect prisoners from harm, while also providing a safe and secure environment for staff.

In addition to these factors, a good prison should also be cost-effective and efficient. Prisons should be operated in a way that minimizes the cost to taxpayers and maximizes the benefits to society. This includes reducing recidivism rates, which can save money in the long run by reducing the need for future prison sentences.

Overall, the design and operation of a good prison are complex and multifaceted. It requires a combination of evidence-based practices, a commitment to rehabilitation, and a focus on safety and security. By striving to create prisons that are effective, efficient, and humane, we can help to reduce the impact of crime on society and promote a safer and more just community.

Weight: 170g
Dimension: 128 x 202 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529226898