Among authors, publishers, purchasers, and readers, books serve different purposes. Moreover, the opinions about the goals of this important means of communication has changed over time.
But in my opinion a good nonfiction book should be timeless. In other words, the information that a monograph that fits this category provides should be as relevant when it was written as it is today, even as a commentary on how we approached a particular subject at a given point in time. I know this is a tall order, but since there are so many books that are published every year, we need a way of making sense of the products produced by this giant of a cultural industry.
So what do I believe are the top classic nonfiction books in the field of corrections (a field that encompasses the study of jails, prisons, inmates, correctional workers, and the policies and practices therein and laws that govern these institutions) in the United States?
First, although there are lots of fictionalized accounts of life behind bars, and numerous peer-reviewed and nonpeer reviewed articles that provide a window into the world of corrections, the books listed below hold several distinctions.
Second, there are many interesting books about corrections in other countries (such as Foucault’s Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison), but since they do not directly deal with corrections in the United States, they are omitted from my list.
Third, another proviso is in order. Most of the books I include are outdated. Even though the statistics and many of the policies and practices mentioned in these monographs have changed, most of the arguments that the researchers present have withstood the test of time. In fact, in many cases, the problems that these books outline and analyze are exactly why corrections in the United States is in such a sad and sorry state of affairs today.
Fourth, notwithstanding the fact that these are the books that I typically assign whenever I teach a graduate seminar on corrections, most of these titles will jive well with what a Criminology/Criminal Justice graduate student might be required to know for their comprehensive exams in the field of corrections.
Fifth, many of the books are not easy reads. Anyone looking for a page turner would be hard pressed to find it among the monographs listed here.
Finally, I’ve purposely not included my books on corrections. That’s not because I don’t think they are important, nor must reads, but I did not want to distract the reader from other books out there that I think are worthwhile.
My top books include:
Journalist, Ted Conover’s (2001). Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing tells the story when he went undercover as a correctional officer at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison, to provide an immersive and candid account of the daily life of corrections officers and the challenges they face in one of America’s most notorious prisons.
Clear, Todd. (2007). Imprisoning Communities: How Mass Incarceration Makes Disadvantaged Neighborhoods Worse, examines the impact of mass incarceration on disadvantaged neighborhoods in the United States. The author argues that the policies of mass incarceration have adverse consequences on communities already facing economic and social challenges, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and crime.
DiIulio, John J. (1987). Governing Prisons, presents an in-depth analysis of factors that shape the way that state prisons (with an explicit focus on New York, Texas and California) are managed and governed. He outlines a considerable amount of diversity in these prison systems. In particular, DiIulio reviews the challenges faced by administrators, policymakers, and correctional officers in maintaining order and safety within the correctional facilities and systems they are tasked with running.
Gonnerman, Jennifer. (2004). Life on the Outside: The Prison Odyssey of Elaine Barlett, also written by a journalist, tells the true story of Elaine Bartlett, a woman sentenced to two decades in prison for a nonviolent drug offense, and her struggles with the criminal justice system, re-entry into society, and the pursuit of a better life for herself and her children.
Hassine, Victor. (1996). Life Without Parole: Living in Prison Today (5th Edition), blends autobiography and social critique, authored by a former inmate who has since passed away. It offers a compelling personal and philosophical reflection on the experience of incarceration, life sentences, and their profound impact on both prisoners and society as a whole.
Irwin, John. (1985). The Jail, is an ethnographic study of a county jail, delving into the experiences of both inmates and staff to provide a comprehensive view of the jail environment. Irwin’s insights and interviews with inmates humanize the detainees, shedding light on the unique challenges and injustices faced by those awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
Jacobs, James. (1977). Stateville, is one of the earlier studies of the social organization and culture of a maximum-security prison, offering a detailed exploration of the power dynamics and inmate subcultures within the facility.
Lombardo, Lucien X. (1989). Guards Imprisoned, reviews the experiences and challenges of correctional officers, exploring the impact of working in the prison environment on their mental health and well-being.
Maruna, Shadd. (2001). Making Good: How Ex-Convicts Reform and Rebuild Their Lives, presents the results of a qualitative study of how individuals with criminal records overcome their pasts and reintegrate into society as productive citizens. It challenges negative stereotypes about ex-convicts and provides valuable insights into the factors that facilitate positive transformation.
McCleary, Richard. (1979). Dangerous Men: The Sociology of Parole, (2nd Edition), provides an ethnography of a state parole system and the impact it has on its parolees. It emphasizes how societal attitudes and institutional practices influence the reentry experiences of released prisoners.
Miller, Jerome G. (1996). Search and Destroy: African-American Males in the Criminal Justice System, examines the racial disparities within the criminal justice system and the overrepresentation of African-American males in prisons and jails.
Morris, Norval and Michael Tonry. (1990). Between Prison and Probation, reviews the history and effectiveness of intermediate sanctions, exploring alternative methods to traditional imprisonment, such as probation and community-based programs. The book offers important insights into creating more effective and balanced sentencing practices.
Oshinsky, David M. (1997). Worse than Slavery: Parchman Farm and the Ordeal of Jim Crow Justice, reviews the brutal realities of a notorious former plantation, that became a Mississippi State Penitentiary, during the era of Jim Crow segregation, drawing disturbing parallels between the prison system and slavery. The book explores the connection between the history of racial oppression and modern-day mass incarceration.
Owen, Barbara. (1998). In the Mix: Struggle and Survival in A Women’s Prison, is one of the first comprehensive examinations of the lives of incarcerated women and the challenges they face in a correctional setting, shedding light on the unique issues and gender-specific issues within the prison system.
Petersilia, Joan. (2003). When Prisoners Come: Parole and Prisoner Re-entry, focuses on the process of prisoner re-entry and the challenges faced by individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive support and resources for former prisoners as they strive to rebuild their lives in order to minimize the possibility of recidivism.
Rideau, Wilbert and Ron Wikberg. (1992). Life Sentences: Rage and Survival Behind the Bars, is derived from a series of essays/articles, some of which appeared in The Angolite (the Louisiana State Penitentiary newspaper), written by two former death row inmates. In addition to providing a brief history Angola prison, these pieces offer a firsthand account of life on death row, sexual assault behind bars, prison policies, dying in prison, and the transformative power of education.
Sykes, Gresham (1958). The Society of Captives, examines the informal social dynamics and power structures within prisons, exploring how the institutional environment influences the behavior and attitudes of both inmates and staff. By analyzing the informal social codes (e.g., the Convict Code) and relationships that shape life within prison walls, Sykes provides valuable insights into the functioning of the corrections system.
To most scholars of corrections there will probably not be any surprises in this list, but for readers who are unfamiliar with the academic field of corrections, these books are worth exploring.
Clearly there are lots of other good books on corrections in the United States to consult, but this list should serve as a starting point or invitation for individuals interested in learning more about the intricacies of the American prison system, the people who are housed there, those who work behind bars, and the intricacies of policies and procedures that operate in these unique environments.
Photo credit:
Johannes Jansson/norden.org,
Title Book Pages
CC BY 2.5 dk, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25009679
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2023-08-02-at-1.24.26-PM.png629952Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2023-08-04 09:39:122023-08-04 09:39:12My top recommended nonfiction books in the field of corrections in the United States
Cities worldwide vary in numerous, important, and significant ways. For example, some urban environments like Delhi, India have large populations, while others don’t. Some cities, such as Los Angeles have large surface areas while others are more contained in size. One aspect of urban locations that is rarely acknowledged, however, is the notion of the urban visual landscape– how cities appear aesthetically to residents who live and work there, tourists who visit, and people who commute into the city for work, school or entertainment/relaxation.
These perceptions can be shaped by many factors like the amount of time people spend in these locations, where exactly they walk, drive, shop, reside or work, etc., the manner by which they interact with the city, the numerous experiences they have in these places, and their ability to process the visual information they are constantly bombarded with.
For instance, if someone works in Manhattan and only commutes into New York City via train (and not the subway),from New Jersey or Connecticut, their perceptions of the big Apple is more than likely different from someone who takes the subway from the outer boroughs. Similarly, if an individual confines their travels to the main thoroughfares, their perception of the urban visual landscape will gradually be shaped accordingly. However, by adopting a more exploratory approach, venturing through parks, back alleys, and other diverse environments, they are bound to develop a distinctly different and comprehensive view.
Visual landscapes take into consideration the relationships among the built environment (e.g., residences, office towers, commercial centers, etc.), the physical geography (e.g., hills, valleys, mountains, rivers, etc.), and the protected urban public spaces (e.g., parks, green spaces, etc.) including their shapes, heights, colors, and proximity to each other.
Some urban locations, like downtown Chicago, are denser, the product of urban planning, zoning, land and building costs, and serendipity. They have more buildings and structures per square foot, and thus may feel claustrophobic to observers. Other places like Phoenix, appear to be more spread out.
Density and its appearance to others, is rarely consistent throughout a city but be neighborhood specific. In Washington, DC, for instance, a variety of different urban landscapes exist among the Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest parts of the city.
Some neighborhoods, or parts of a city (e.g., Upper East Side, NYC, downtown Atlanta, etc.), because of the type of structures that have been built there, and the distinctive patterning that it has taken, appear very antiseptic or clinical. For example, urban locations like Tokyo or even downtown Atlanta that are dominated by massive concrete structures that are the epitome of brutalism and appear to be very antiseptic or clinical. Some cities like Athens or parts of NYC, Los Angeles, have a considerable amount of graffiti and street art, and other types of signs, and would appear naked if this kind of public art was not located there.
From soaring skyscrapers to relaxing parks, each element contributes uniquely to a city’s overall aesthetic impression. The colors, shapes, and spatial arrangements of these elements influence the urban visual landscape, fostering a continuum of perceptions from welcoming to hostile. To some extent the urban visual landscape may even effect street culture.
Regardless, three types of urban visual landscapes that may serve as a starting point to understand the urban visual landscape: homogenous/uniform, disorganized, and mixed. In the first instance, almost all the neighborhoods, and buildings look the same. In the second, the neighborhoods appear very disorganized with the build structures of different styles and almost haphazard in the choices, and the third includes elements of both types. Each type has its unique impact on the inhabitants’ sense of ease and belonging, shaping community dynamics and fostering distinct urban experiences. This typology serves as a foundation for further research and discussion on urban planning and design strategies.
By understanding the diversity of the urban visual landscape, urban planners, architects, and policymakers can harness the power of aesthetics to create cities that resonate with their inhabitants, foster a sense of identity, and promote positive interactions among people who live, work, study or visit these locations.
Photo Credit
Photographer: Marc Veraart
Title: Tokyo
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/50902195792_35b366d748_k.jpg13652047Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2023-07-22 07:05:462024-11-23 03:33:55Decoding the Urban Visual Landscape
In our interconnected globalized world, no country operates in isolation. That’s why governments and their citizens outside the United States watch what happens within our borders, form impressions, and make decisions that can have both subtle and overt impacts on how they engage with us.
One American policy area that’s frequently reviewed is the field of corrections, particularly jails and prison conditions. Negative perceptions of American correctional facilities, including policies and practices, carry significant damaging consequences for the United States, affecting its reputation, diplomatic relationships, international cooperation, domestic policies, and overall societal well-being. Why?
Reputation and Diplomatic Relationships:
The United States has long prided itself on embodying and advocating for democratic values and human rights. However, negative information about its jails and prison systems weaken this image and erode its moral authority to advocate for these principles. Criticism of the United States on these goals undermines America’s standing among nations, leading to a loss of influence and credibility in international forums. This includes situations in which foreign governments are concerned about the treatment of their citizens incarcerated in U.S. prisons. Reports of human rights abuses, crowding and overcrowding, inadequate services, and violence within American correctional facilities create tensions and conflicts with other nations, straining diplomatic ties and undermining cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and intelligence sharing. Moreover, countries may hesitate to extradite individuals who are wanted by different justice systems in the United States if they fear that individuals will face harsh conditions or inhumane treatment. This reluctance impedes transnational efforts to combat organized crime, terrorism, and other cross-border criminal activities, limiting the collective ability to address global crime.
Economic Ramifications
Negative perceptions of American correctional facilities can extend beyond the political realm and impact the private sector as well. International businesses, investors, and tourists may choose not to visit the United States or be deterred by negative portrayals, resulting in decreased foreign direct investment, trade, and tourism revenues. Adverse perceptions can harm the economy, reducing job opportunities and hindering economic growth.
Leadership on Human Rights
As a champion of human rights, the United States has an obligation to ensure that its correctional facilities adhere to internationally recognized standards. Negative perceptions of American prisons undermine its moral authority to advocate for human rights globally. This weakens its ability to influence other countries to improve their own prison systems, their wider criminal justice systems, and promote broader respect for human rights worldwide.
Societal Well-being
The impact of negative perceptions extends beyond diplomacy and international relations. Deplorable conditions within American correctional facilities reflect systemic issues in society. Poor prison conditions and human rights abuses frustrate attempts to rehabilitate and reintegrate prisoners, perpetuating a cycle of recidivism. This not only harms the individuals directly affected but also has broader societal consequences. The overall goal of the criminal justice system should be to facilitate successful reentry into society, and addressing these issues requires comprehensive reform efforts, transparency, and collaboration both domestically and internationally.
The future is now
International perceptions of American correctional facilities are wide-ranging and multifaceted. But when they are negative, it can damage America’s reputation, strain diplomatic relationships, hinder international cooperation, and have economic ramifications. Furthermore, this state of affairs compromises the United States’ ability to lead on human rights issues and detracts from the overall well-being of American society. To restore its global standing, strengthen diplomatic ties, and contribute to a more just and humane world, federal, state and local governments need to allocate sufficient resources (i.e., tax revenue) to comprehensive correctional reform efforts, including prioritizing effective rehabilitation programs. Hopefully, this approach can help the United States change its international reputation as leader in mass incarceration, and foster a society that prioritizes justice, dignity, and successful prisoner reintegration.
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2023-07-15-at-3.26.16-AM.png276489Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2023-07-15 13:32:312023-07-15 13:32:31The Damaging Effects of International Perceptions of American Correctional Facilities on the United States
My top recommended nonfiction books in the field of corrections in the United States
/by Jeffrey Ian RossAmong authors, publishers, purchasers, and readers, books serve different purposes. Moreover, the opinions about the goals of this important means of communication has changed over time.
But in my opinion a good nonfiction book should be timeless. In other words, the information that a monograph that fits this category provides should be as relevant when it was written as it is today, even as a commentary on how we approached a particular subject at a given point in time. I know this is a tall order, but since there are so many books that are published every year, we need a way of making sense of the products produced by this giant of a cultural industry.
So what do I believe are the top classic nonfiction books in the field of corrections (a field that encompasses the study of jails, prisons, inmates, correctional workers, and the policies and practices therein and laws that govern these institutions) in the United States?
First, although there are lots of fictionalized accounts of life behind bars, and numerous peer-reviewed and nonpeer reviewed articles that provide a window into the world of corrections, the books listed below hold several distinctions.
Second, there are many interesting books about corrections in other countries (such as Foucault’s Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison), but since they do not directly deal with corrections in the United States, they are omitted from my list.
Third, another proviso is in order. Most of the books I include are outdated. Even though the statistics and many of the policies and practices mentioned in these monographs have changed, most of the arguments that the researchers present have withstood the test of time. In fact, in many cases, the problems that these books outline and analyze are exactly why corrections in the United States is in such a sad and sorry state of affairs today.
Fourth, notwithstanding the fact that these are the books that I typically assign whenever I teach a graduate seminar on corrections, most of these titles will jive well with what a Criminology/Criminal Justice graduate student might be required to know for their comprehensive exams in the field of corrections.
Fifth, many of the books are not easy reads. Anyone looking for a page turner would be hard pressed to find it among the monographs listed here.
Finally, I’ve purposely not included my books on corrections. That’s not because I don’t think they are important, nor must reads, but I did not want to distract the reader from other books out there that I think are worthwhile.
My top books include:
Journalist, Ted Conover’s (2001). Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing tells the story when he went undercover as a correctional officer at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison, to provide an immersive and candid account of the daily life of corrections officers and the challenges they face in one of America’s most notorious prisons.
Clear, Todd. (2007). Imprisoning Communities: How Mass Incarceration Makes Disadvantaged Neighborhoods Worse, examines the impact of mass incarceration on disadvantaged neighborhoods in the United States. The author argues that the policies of mass incarceration have adverse consequences on communities already facing economic and social challenges, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and crime.
DiIulio, John J. (1987). Governing Prisons, presents an in-depth analysis of factors that shape the way that state prisons (with an explicit focus on New York, Texas and California) are managed and governed. He outlines a considerable amount of diversity in these prison systems. In particular, DiIulio reviews the challenges faced by administrators, policymakers, and correctional officers in maintaining order and safety within the correctional facilities and systems they are tasked with running.
Gonnerman, Jennifer. (2004). Life on the Outside: The Prison Odyssey of Elaine Barlett, also written by a journalist, tells the true story of Elaine Bartlett, a woman sentenced to two decades in prison for a nonviolent drug offense, and her struggles with the criminal justice system, re-entry into society, and the pursuit of a better life for herself and her children.
Hassine, Victor. (1996). Life Without Parole: Living in Prison Today (5th Edition), blends autobiography and social critique, authored by a former inmate who has since passed away. It offers a compelling personal and philosophical reflection on the experience of incarceration, life sentences, and their profound impact on both prisoners and society as a whole.
Irwin, John. (1985). The Jail, is an ethnographic study of a county jail, delving into the experiences of both inmates and staff to provide a comprehensive view of the jail environment. Irwin’s insights and interviews with inmates humanize the detainees, shedding light on the unique challenges and injustices faced by those awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
Jacobs, James. (1977). Stateville, is one of the earlier studies of the social organization and culture of a maximum-security prison, offering a detailed exploration of the power dynamics and inmate subcultures within the facility.
Lombardo, Lucien X. (1989). Guards Imprisoned, reviews the experiences and challenges of correctional officers, exploring the impact of working in the prison environment on their mental health and well-being.
Maruna, Shadd. (2001). Making Good: How Ex-Convicts Reform and Rebuild Their Lives, presents the results of a qualitative study of how individuals with criminal records overcome their pasts and reintegrate into society as productive citizens. It challenges negative stereotypes about ex-convicts and provides valuable insights into the factors that facilitate positive transformation.
McCleary, Richard. (1979). Dangerous Men: The Sociology of Parole, (2nd Edition), provides an ethnography of a state parole system and the impact it has on its parolees. It emphasizes how societal attitudes and institutional practices influence the reentry experiences of released prisoners.
Miller, Jerome G. (1996). Search and Destroy: African-American Males in the Criminal Justice System, examines the racial disparities within the criminal justice system and the overrepresentation of African-American males in prisons and jails.
Morris, Norval and Michael Tonry. (1990). Between Prison and Probation, reviews the history and effectiveness of intermediate sanctions, exploring alternative methods to traditional imprisonment, such as probation and community-based programs. The book offers important insights into creating more effective and balanced sentencing practices.
Oshinsky, David M. (1997). Worse than Slavery: Parchman Farm and the Ordeal of Jim Crow Justice, reviews the brutal realities of a notorious former plantation, that became a Mississippi State Penitentiary, during the era of Jim Crow segregation, drawing disturbing parallels between the prison system and slavery. The book explores the connection between the history of racial oppression and modern-day mass incarceration.
Owen, Barbara. (1998). In the Mix: Struggle and Survival in A Women’s Prison, is one of the first comprehensive examinations of the lives of incarcerated women and the challenges they face in a correctional setting, shedding light on the unique issues and gender-specific issues within the prison system.
Petersilia, Joan. (2003). When Prisoners Come: Parole and Prisoner Re-entry, focuses on the process of prisoner re-entry and the challenges faced by individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive support and resources for former prisoners as they strive to rebuild their lives in order to minimize the possibility of recidivism.
Rideau, Wilbert and Ron Wikberg. (1992). Life Sentences: Rage and Survival Behind the Bars, is derived from a series of essays/articles, some of which appeared in The Angolite (the Louisiana State Penitentiary newspaper), written by two former death row inmates. In addition to providing a brief history Angola prison, these pieces offer a firsthand account of life on death row, sexual assault behind bars, prison policies, dying in prison, and the transformative power of education.
Sykes, Gresham (1958). The Society of Captives, examines the informal social dynamics and power structures within prisons, exploring how the institutional environment influences the behavior and attitudes of both inmates and staff. By analyzing the informal social codes (e.g., the Convict Code) and relationships that shape life within prison walls, Sykes provides valuable insights into the functioning of the corrections system.
To most scholars of corrections there will probably not be any surprises in this list, but for readers who are unfamiliar with the academic field of corrections, these books are worth exploring.
Clearly there are lots of other good books on corrections in the United States to consult, but this list should serve as a starting point or invitation for individuals interested in learning more about the intricacies of the American prison system, the people who are housed there, those who work behind bars, and the intricacies of policies and procedures that operate in these unique environments.
Photo credit:
Johannes Jansson/norden.org,
Title Book Pages
CC BY 2.5 dk, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25009679
Decoding the Urban Visual Landscape
/by Jeffrey Ian RossCities worldwide vary in numerous, important, and significant ways. For example, some urban environments like Delhi, India have large populations, while others don’t. Some cities, such as Los Angeles have large surface areas while others are more contained in size. One aspect of urban locations that is rarely acknowledged, however, is the notion of the urban visual landscape– how cities appear aesthetically to residents who live and work there, tourists who visit, and people who commute into the city for work, school or entertainment/relaxation.
These perceptions can be shaped by many factors like the amount of time people spend in these locations, where exactly they walk, drive, shop, reside or work, etc., the manner by which they interact with the city, the numerous experiences they have in these places, and their ability to process the visual information they are constantly bombarded with.
For instance, if someone works in Manhattan and only commutes into New York City via train (and not the subway),from New Jersey or Connecticut, their perceptions of the big Apple is more than likely different from someone who takes the subway from the outer boroughs. Similarly, if an individual confines their travels to the main thoroughfares, their perception of the urban visual landscape will gradually be shaped accordingly. However, by adopting a more exploratory approach, venturing through parks, back alleys, and other diverse environments, they are bound to develop a distinctly different and comprehensive view.
Visual landscapes take into consideration the relationships among the built environment (e.g., residences, office towers, commercial centers, etc.), the physical geography (e.g., hills, valleys, mountains, rivers, etc.), and the protected urban public spaces (e.g., parks, green spaces, etc.) including their shapes, heights, colors, and proximity to each other.
Some urban locations, like downtown Chicago, are denser, the product of urban planning, zoning, land and building costs, and serendipity. They have more buildings and structures per square foot, and thus may feel claustrophobic to observers. Other places like Phoenix, appear to be more spread out.
Density and its appearance to others, is rarely consistent throughout a city but be neighborhood specific. In Washington, DC, for instance, a variety of different urban landscapes exist among the Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest parts of the city.
Some neighborhoods, or parts of a city (e.g., Upper East Side, NYC, downtown Atlanta, etc.), because of the type of structures that have been built there, and the distinctive patterning that it has taken, appear very antiseptic or clinical. For example, urban locations like Tokyo or even downtown Atlanta that are dominated by massive concrete structures that are the epitome of brutalism and appear to be very antiseptic or clinical. Some cities like Athens or parts of NYC, Los Angeles, have a considerable amount of graffiti and street art, and other types of signs, and would appear naked if this kind of public art was not located there.
From soaring skyscrapers to relaxing parks, each element contributes uniquely to a city’s overall aesthetic impression. The colors, shapes, and spatial arrangements of these elements influence the urban visual landscape, fostering a continuum of perceptions from welcoming to hostile. To some extent the urban visual landscape may even effect street culture.
Regardless, three types of urban visual landscapes that may serve as a starting point to understand the urban visual landscape: homogenous/uniform, disorganized, and mixed. In the first instance, almost all the neighborhoods, and buildings look the same. In the second, the neighborhoods appear very disorganized with the build structures of different styles and almost haphazard in the choices, and the third includes elements of both types. Each type has its unique impact on the inhabitants’ sense of ease and belonging, shaping community dynamics and fostering distinct urban experiences. This typology serves as a foundation for further research and discussion on urban planning and design strategies.
By understanding the diversity of the urban visual landscape, urban planners, architects, and policymakers can harness the power of aesthetics to create cities that resonate with their inhabitants, foster a sense of identity, and promote positive interactions among people who live, work, study or visit these locations.
Photo Credit
Photographer: Marc Veraart
Title: Tokyo
The Damaging Effects of International Perceptions of American Correctional Facilities on the United States
/by Jeffrey Ian RossIn our interconnected globalized world, no country operates in isolation. That’s why governments and their citizens outside the United States watch what happens within our borders, form impressions, and make decisions that can have both subtle and overt impacts on how they engage with us.
One American policy area that’s frequently reviewed is the field of corrections, particularly jails and prison conditions. Negative perceptions of American correctional facilities, including policies and practices, carry significant damaging consequences for the United States, affecting its reputation, diplomatic relationships, international cooperation, domestic policies, and overall societal well-being. Why?
Reputation and Diplomatic Relationships:
The United States has long prided itself on embodying and advocating for democratic values and human rights. However, negative information about its jails and prison systems weaken this image and erode its moral authority to advocate for these principles. Criticism of the United States on these goals undermines America’s standing among nations, leading to a loss of influence and credibility in international forums. This includes situations in which foreign governments are concerned about the treatment of their citizens incarcerated in U.S. prisons. Reports of human rights abuses, crowding and overcrowding, inadequate services, and violence within American correctional facilities create tensions and conflicts with other nations, straining diplomatic ties and undermining cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and intelligence sharing. Moreover, countries may hesitate to extradite individuals who are wanted by different justice systems in the United States if they fear that individuals will face harsh conditions or inhumane treatment. This reluctance impedes transnational efforts to combat organized crime, terrorism, and other cross-border criminal activities, limiting the collective ability to address global crime.
Economic Ramifications
Negative perceptions of American correctional facilities can extend beyond the political realm and impact the private sector as well. International businesses, investors, and tourists may choose not to visit the United States or be deterred by negative portrayals, resulting in decreased foreign direct investment, trade, and tourism revenues. Adverse perceptions can harm the economy, reducing job opportunities and hindering economic growth.
Leadership on Human Rights
As a champion of human rights, the United States has an obligation to ensure that its correctional facilities adhere to internationally recognized standards. Negative perceptions of American prisons undermine its moral authority to advocate for human rights globally. This weakens its ability to influence other countries to improve their own prison systems, their wider criminal justice systems, and promote broader respect for human rights worldwide.
Societal Well-being
The impact of negative perceptions extends beyond diplomacy and international relations. Deplorable conditions within American correctional facilities reflect systemic issues in society. Poor prison conditions and human rights abuses frustrate attempts to rehabilitate and reintegrate prisoners, perpetuating a cycle of recidivism. This not only harms the individuals directly affected but also has broader societal consequences. The overall goal of the criminal justice system should be to facilitate successful reentry into society, and addressing these issues requires comprehensive reform efforts, transparency, and collaboration both domestically and internationally.
The future is now
International perceptions of American correctional facilities are wide-ranging and multifaceted. But when they are negative, it can damage America’s reputation, strain diplomatic relationships, hinder international cooperation, and have economic ramifications. Furthermore, this state of affairs compromises the United States’ ability to lead on human rights issues and detracts from the overall well-being of American society. To restore its global standing, strengthen diplomatic ties, and contribute to a more just and humane world, federal, state and local governments need to allocate sufficient resources (i.e., tax revenue) to comprehensive correctional reform efforts, including prioritizing effective rehabilitation programs. Hopefully, this approach can help the United States change its international reputation as leader in mass incarceration, and foster a society that prioritizes justice, dignity, and successful prisoner reintegration.