Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Y. Davis is a critical text that advocates for prison abolition. By tracing the prison system's evolution from its inception in America to the present-day prison industrial complex, Davis argues that incarceration is an ineffective and lucrative industry rooted in bias. Using historical context, personal experience, and academic analysis, she offers potential reforms to create a more empathetic justice system and equal society. This book discusses racial and gender-based violence.

Angela Y. Davis’s Are Prisons Obsolete? is lauded for its compelling argument against the prison-industrial complex, thoughtful historical context, and clear call to abolish prisons. Critics note it can be dense and lacks actionable solutions. Overall, it's praised for its challenging and thought-provoking perspective on criminal justice reform.

A reader who would enjoy Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Y. Davis is likely engaged in social justice, criminology, or abolitionist studies. They previously appreciated Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow or Marc Mauer’s The Meaning of Life which also critique the U.S. prison system. These readers seek transformative discussions on incarceration and systemic reform.

Informative / Challenging / Contemplative / Inspirational / Unnerving

- Angela Y. Davis is a renowned scholar and activist known for her work in prison abolitionism, and Are Prisons Obsolete? is one of her key contributions to the discourse on the future of incarceration.
- The book is often included in university curriculums to introduce students to critical perspectives on the prison-industrial complex and its socio-political implications.
- Are Prisons Obsolete? provides insights into how social justice movements can imagine alternative forms of justice beyond traditional incarceration systems.

**Angela Y. Davis**  
A scholar and activist focused on civil rights, gender equity, anti-racism, and prison abolition, who draws from her own experiences to critique the prison system and advocate for its end.

**Assata Shakur**  
Referenced by Davis in Chapter 4, Shakur is quoted and provides insight through her firsthand experiences, enriching the analysis of prison conditions.

Angela Y. Davis

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Are Prisons Obsolete? reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Are Prisons Obsolete? | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Are Prisons Obsolete? and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Are Prisons Obsolete? Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1 Are Prisons Obsolete? Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 2 Are Prisons Obsolete? Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 3 Are Prisons Obsolete? Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 4 Are Prisons Obsolete? Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 5 Are Prisons Obsolete? Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 6 Are Prisons Obsolete? Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Are Prisons Obsolete? Key Figures

theme

Themes

Are Prisons Obsolete? Themes

Index of Terms

Are Prisons Obsolete? Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Are Prisons Obsolete? Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Are Prisons Obsolete? Essay Topics

Are Prisons Obsolete?

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Are Prisons Obsolete??

Reading Age

Book Details