Cultures of Confinement

This work explores how prisons evolved through local factors rather than being merely imposed by colonial powers. It highlights resistance and cultural adaptations, offering a global perspective on confinement practices.

Cultures of Confinement explores the complex history of prisons around the world, arguing that their development was not merely a result of colonial imposition or a simple emulation of Western models. Instead, the authors highlight how local factors played a significant role in reinventing and transforming prison systems. This analysis emphasizes that prisons have evolved through a dynamic interplay of cultural negotiations across different regions, leading to a diverse array of practices and understandings regarding confinement.

The book also sheds light on the increasing prevalence of prisons globally, from democratic societies to authoritarian regimes, where a growing number of individuals find themselves incarcerated. Despite the widespread nature of imprisonment, there remains a lack of comprehensive historical understanding of prisons from a global perspective. Cultures of Confinement challenges the notion that the spread of prisons is solely a byproduct of globalization, instead presenting a nuanced view that recognizes the active roles played by various regions, particularly in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

Through examining acts of resistance and appropriation, the authors illustrate how the social practices associated with confinement have been altered over time. This work reveals that prisons are not static institutions; rather, they are shaped by cultural contexts and local responses. By providing a fresh perspective on the history of prisons, Cultures of Confinement invites readers to reconsider their understanding of confinement and its implications in a globalized world.