What Are Prisons For?

What Are Prisons For? explores the concept of what makes a good prison. With over eleven million people currently incarcerated across the globe, the question arises: does prison actually work? The answer often depends on one's beliefs and feelings about crime, punishment, and the internal workings of prisons. The profound social and personal impact of prisons necessitates a better understanding of the evidence and ideas that have made prisons so widespread.

Hindpal Singh Bhui, who brings 20 years of experience visiting and working in prisons worldwide, contends that we must examine who is sent to prison and why, to separate reality from ideology and myth. By introducing the competing histories of prisons and amplifying the voices of prisoners, prison staff, and victims, he questions whether there is a more effective way to fulfil society's expectations from its prisons.