Narratives of Prison: the Stories and Experiences of Young Black Men

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Research has continuously demonstrated the social disadvantage, racial inequality, and institutional racism within a broad range of domains including, socio-economic status, education, healthcare, and the Criminal Justice System, which has led to young Black men being the most over-represented within the UK prison population. Critical Race Theory (CRT) provided a useful framework to explore this inequality. This study aimed to explore young Black men’s stories and experiences of prison, and ideas for prison reform. METHODOLOGY: A social constructionist epistemological stance underpinned the qualitative research, with consultation with a Research Consultant and participants to co-design elements of the research. Purposive sampling through third-sector organisations was used. Five young Black men shared their stories of prison, through one individual life story narrative interview. These were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a multimethod approach of Narrative Inquiry, to examine the chronological plot, story dimensions, structural elements, meaning making, and collective storylines. FINDINGS: There were four main collective storylines; stories of challenges, coping, power, and change. The experiences of the young Black men were rooted in social deprivation and racial inequality. They have been failed by services never designed to support them, blamed for their disadvantaged position, and socially constructed as ‘bad’ throughout their lives within multiple contexts. Through the CRT lens, power hierarchies and institutional power in the prison system further oppresses young Black men, with oppressive policies and practices, which restrict basic human rights. Despite these challenges, the young Black men showed considerable strength and resilience to pull themselves out of the prison system. IMPLICATIONS: These stories demonstrate change is required within the prison system, to tackle and dismantle the root causes of social injustice, rather than labelling Black men as ‘bad’ and leaving them to navigate these challenges themselves. There are recommendations for much needed further research in this area.