***NOT APPROVED BY AUTHOR*** This book delves into the intricate dynamics of who is sentenced to prison and why, tracing the history of penal reform over two centuries. It debunks common myths and misconceptions, and critically examines both reformist and abolitionist perspectives. Empowering students with a nuanced understanding, it delves into key, contemporary themes like the impact of digital media, recent social movements like Black Lives Matter, and the ongoing prison crisis. In this book you will encounter: The historical and contemporary factors influencing prison sentences. The relationship between prisons, social inequality, and power structures. The effectiveness and limitations of liberal penal reforms. Evidence-based approaches to prison abolition. Aimed at students, researchers, and anyone interested in social justice, this book is a vital resource for rethinking the role of prisons in society and advocating for meaningful change.
