Carceral segregation

2019
canada

Carceral segregation refers to the practice of separating incarcerated individuals based on certain demographic characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, or gender. This is often done within correctional facilities and prison systems for various reasons, including maintaining safety and security, addressing specific needs or vulnerabilities, or managing conflicts between different groups.

However, carceral segregation has been widely criticized for perpetuating inequalities, discrimination, and reinforcing systemic racism within the criminal justice system. Critics argue that it can lead to the overrepresentation of certain groups, particularly racial and ethnic minorities, in certain parts of the prison system and exacerbate the social, economic, and psychological challenges they face.

Additionally, carceral segregation can hinder access to educational and rehabilitative programs, limit the opportunity for social interaction and reintegration, and contribute to the dehumanization and stigmatization of incarcerated individuals. Some advocates for prison reform argue for alternatives to carceral segregation, such as implementing restorative justice practices that prioritize rehabilitation, community reintegration, and addressing the root causes of criminal behavior.

Further reading

Kilty J.M.; Lehalle S. (2019) "Mad, bad, and stuck in the hole: Carceral segregation as slow violence", Madness, Violence, and Power: A Critical Collection, 310-329. University of Toronto Press. DOI: [1]