The American Prison Business

This insightful examination of the prison system reveals its absurdities and ethical dilemmas. The American Prison Business challenges readers to rethink incarceration's role in society.

First published in 1974, The American Prison Business delves into the eccentricities and complexities of the American prison system. Jessica Mitford takes readers on a revealing journey, exploring how the penitentiary system, rooted in 18th-century reform efforts, has evolved into a business driven by profit rather than rehabilitation. The author highlights the often absurd and shocking realities of prison life, including the unsettling practices of pharmaceutical companies that use inmates as test subjects in their experiments, as detailed in the chapter titled 'Cheaper than Chimpanzees.'

Mitford's work goes beyond mere observation; it challenges the reader to reconsider the morality and ethics surrounding incarceration. She discusses various techniques employed to manage 'violent' offenders, the dubious enthusiasm of businessmen involved in the 'rent-a-con' scheme, and even the unappetizing Special Isolation Diet. Each revelation serves to provoke thought and discussion about the true nature of the prison business and its impact on society.

As the prison abolition movement gains traction, The American Prison Business remains a vital resource for legislators, sociologists, and anyone interested in the intersections of law, criminology, and history. Mitford's incisive analysis provides a critical lens through which to view the ongoing debates surrounding the American penal system, making this book as relevant today as it was upon its initial release.