Aging Behind Prison Walls - by Tina Maschi & Keith Morgen (Paperback)

About the Book

Tina Maschi and Keith Morgen offer a data-driven and compassionate analysis of the lives of incarcerated older people. The book draws on extensive quantitative and qualitative research as well as national datasets.

Book Synopsis

Today, more than 200,000 men and women over age fifty are languishing in prisons around the United States. It is projected that by 2030, one-third of all incarcerated individuals will be older adults. An already overcrowded and underserved prison system is straining to manage the needs of incarcerated older adults with growing frailty and health concerns. Separated from their families and communities despite a low risk of recidivism, incarcerated older adults represent a major social-justice issue that reveals the intersectional factors at play in their imprisonment. How do the people aging in prison understand their life experiences?

In Aging Behind Prison Walls, Tina Maschi and Keith Morgen offer a data-driven and compassionate analysis of the lives of incarcerated older people. They explore the transferable resiliencies and coping strategies used by incarcerated aging adults to make meaning of their lives before, during, and after imprisonment. The book draws on extensive quantitative and qualitative research as well as national datasets. It features rich narrative case studies that present stories of trauma, coping, and well-being. Based on the data, Maschi and Morgen present a solution-focused caring-justice framework in order to understand and transform the individual- and community-level structural factors that have led to and perpetuate the aging-in-prison crisis. They offer concrete proposals--at the community and national policy levels--to address the pressing issues of incarcerated elders.

Review Quotes

Overall, this text is an informative and useful addition to any clinical or macro special topics social work course. It is well
organized, with up-front summaries of what the chapter will discuss and a final summary of the information discussed at the end of each chapter to help ground the reader.

--Lauren Dennelly "Research on Social Work Practice"

Aging Behind Prison Walls makes a unique and timely contribution to our understanding of the life histories of justice-involved aging people and the trauma experienced, resiliency marshalled, and coping measures employed. Maschi and Morgen offer a persuasive call for a caring justice system to replace our existing criminal justice system.--Margaret E. Leigey, author of The Forgotten Men: Serving a Life without Parole Sentence

Aging Behind Prison Walls offers an engaging and insightful examination of the special needs and life worlds of incarcerated older adults before and after release to the community. It offers practical advice with roots in intersectional and life-course theory consistent with the need for a paradigm shift in the management and care of aging offenders. It will become essential reading.--José B. Ashford, Arizona State University

Aging Behind Prison Walls provides an unvarnished view of being both older and incarcerated. Evocative vignettes recount challenges and traumas, as well as perseverance, resilience, and contributions. The authors don't stop at heightening awareness--they offer a framework, tools, and call to action to address this pressing human issue.--Susan J. Loeb, The Pennsylvania State University

Using vivid stories of trauma and resilience, Aging Behind Prison Walls is an important and thought-provoking book that deserves wide readership. Bridging theory and practice, the authors make a compelling case for a correctional policy that is redemptive in nature and better suited for those who no longer pose a threat to society.--Ronald Aday, author of Aging Prisoners: Crisis in American Corrections

Aging Behind Prison Walls fills a gap in the research literature by providing both quantitative and qualitative data not available elsewhere. Enriched by extensive data and compelling personal narratives, it offers a portrait of prison life that is comprehensive and fascinating.--Katherine van Wormer, coauthor of Women and the Criminal Justice System

About the Author

Tina Maschi is professor at the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Her books include Forensic Social Work: Psychosocial and Legal Issues Across Diverse Populations and Settings, second edition (2017).

Keith Morgen is associate professor of psychology at Centenary University. He is the author of Substance Use Disorders and Addictions (2016).