In this working paper, Dr Jason Warr examines the persistent marginalisation of race and racism in British prison research and policy, highlighting the interplay of language, knowledge gaps, and institutional norms in sustaining inequities.
Drawing on his extensive research into racialisation and British prisons, Warr outlines five interrelated factors contributing to the marginalisation of race and racism in prison studies, including language, epistemic ignorance, institutional norms, and the enduring legacies of colonial thinking.
Based on these insights, he examines how these factors shape both research and policy, and how they continue to influence the lived experiences of prisoners, particularly those from racialised backgrounds.
As Warr notes in his introduction, despite decades of evidence and key reports highlighting disproportionality and racism, British criminology and penology have yet to mainstream these concerns. In this working paper, Warr aims to contribute to ongoing thinking around racial justice in prisons at a time of renewed national attention on systemic inequality, institutional bias, and the role of criminal justice in perpetuating historical injustices.
Warr stresses the importance of addressing long-standing silences in research on race in prisons:
We must continue to explore, explain, and communicate to the public, policy makers, and practitioners exactly how contemporary British penality is still haunted and shaped by our racist and colonial history. These are not ideas that we should hide from or deny, but tackle head on.
The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies’ working paper series publishes research and analysis of an exploratory nature. Working papers are not formally peer-reviewed, but are intended to stimulate reflection and discussion on current and relevant areas.
