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Angela Davis Are Prisons Obsolete Summary

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In “Are Prisons Obsolete,” Angela Davis, an American activist who served 16 months in prison before being acquitted, argues that today's prison systems fail to address the root causes of crime. Despite their intended purpose, prisons lack the structure needed to rehabilitate inmates. We become so quick to assume that imprisoning criminals leads to a safer environment. As prisons continue to expand and their inmate population rises, they become embedded in society's norms without the consent of the people or critical examination of their effectiveness. Davis argues for reform, noting that the current system has serious flaws in addressing criminal behavior, as she believes crime will continue to persist and keep growing exponentially within …show more content…

This does not mean incorporating prison substitutes like house arrest or electronic surveillance bracelets, but giving high-crime communities the resources so they can succeed in society. Davis advocates for a shift towards rehabilitation over punishment, envisioning a future where prisons serve as centers for healing rather than institutions of revenge. The prison system has become so "natural" in today's social constructs that it is hard to imagine life without it, but Davis explores the alternatives and writes, "Demilitarization of schools, revitalization of education at all levels, a health system that provides free physical and mental care to all, and a justice system based on reparation and reconciliation rather than retribution and vengeance" (p. 107). By enabling this, schools would emerge as a better alternative to jails and prisons, and education would become a priority in societal progress, improving and expanding opportunities for the future. Currently, there are more people with mental health disorders in prison than in mental institutions (p. 108). Access to healthcare, which is a human right, would allow those who need medical care to receive it, thereby helping to promote economic stability. Also, providing access to resources to combat drug and alcohol use is important to decrease incarceration rates. Criminalized communities deserve access to effective and affordable treatment options. The Betty Ford Center is recognized as one of the top treatment centers for individuals dependent on drugs and alcohol, but the price can be up to $525 per day (p. 109). Limited accessibility highlights the inequality in society and healthcare, making it hard to diminish the cycle of imprisonment. Davis also mentions these alternatives as “job and living wage programs, alternatives to the disestablished welfare

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