The Negative Effects Of The Kingston Penitentiary: A Prison Model

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The article revolves around the negative implications of the Kingston Penitentiary, a prison designed to provide reform for criminals through intensive labor, the use of the panopticon model, and implementation of harsh disciplinary practices. It represents a social institution which is expected to embody discipline and social control, and exert power over its inmates. However, the article highlights the institution’s inability to take effective disciplinary action against its inmates (Neufeld 1998) In addition, Michael Foucault’s theories are critiqued in relation to the faulty Penitentiary Model. Foucault’s understanding of power and surveillance provided little to no justification for the institution’s downfall. This paper will argue that the Penitentiary model failed due to poor administration, harsh disciplinary practices and the perpetuation of gender inequalities. The Kingston Penitentiary is known for its grueling forms of punishment and high levels of social control. For …show more content…

(Neufeld 1998: 121) The Kingston Penitentiary may argue from a metaphorical stance that tubbing can be regarded as a form of welfare which aims to reform the individual through the “cleansing of their sins” for instance. On the other hand, Foucault states, “the prisoner’s body becomes less important than the soul” (Neufeld 1998: 98) In these particular situations, the desire for the establishment of power relations trumps all. He solely believes that punishment is necessary for those who have committed a crime because it highlights

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