Knowing that we are making a difference: A case for critical prison programming

Abstract

This paper considers a peer education initiative through which incarcerated men provide English as a Second Language instruction to other incarcerated men. Programs such as this are sometimes criticized for objectifying and exploiting their incarcerated participants. I argue that prison programs that support the demonstration of competence and meaningful collective action can bring out the best in their students, transform the climate of the institutions that house them, and promote progressive social change. This study suggests how thoughtfully designed prison programs can create communities committed to personal growth, social responsibility, and engaged citizenship.

Citation

Ginsburg, R. (2014), "Knowing that we are making a difference: A case for critical prison programming", Special Issue: The Beautiful Prison (Studies in Law, Politics, and Society, Vol. 64), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 33-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1059-433720140000064003