Christopher D. Berk. “On Prison Democracy: The Politics of Participation in a Maximum Security Prison.” Critical Inquiry 44, no. 2 (2018): 275–302.
DOI: 10.1086/695361

Published version: Link
Preprint: SocArXiv / PhilPapers / SSRN

Overview

Democratic theory often treats participation as a remedy for domination. But what happens when participatory institutions are introduced within settings defined by coercion and exclusion? This article examines forms of “prison democracy,” including councils and representative bodies, that invite prisoners to deliberate, offer recommendations, and participate in institutional governance. It asks whether these practices can amount to meaningful self-government under conditions of confinement.

The article argues that participation in prison is structured by a persistent tension between voice and authority. Even where prisoners are encouraged to deliberate and represent one another, ultimate power remains anchored in officials who cannot be displaced by those subject to their rule. The piece uses the prison as a demanding case for democratic theory, clarifying what democracy requires and why participatory reforms can stabilize institutional order without delivering genuine political equality or control over ultimate authority.

Central Question

Can democratic participation be meaningful where those governed lack the power to hold rulers accountable or replace them?

Contribution

This article contributes to debates in:

  • democratic theory and legitimacy
  • authority, domination, and coercion
  • politics of punishment and incarceration
  • institutional participation and governance
  • the limits of inclusion

Who might find this useful?

Scholars working on:

  • prison governance and inmate participation
  • procedural justice and legitimacy
  • citizenship, exclusion, and rights
  • institutional reform and accountability

Related work by the author

Suggested citation

Berk, Christopher D. 2018. “On Prison Democracy: The Politics of Participation in a Maximum Security Prison.” Critical Inquiry 44(2): 275–302.

[Cite with BibTeX] 

@article{berk2018prison,
  title={On prison democracy: The politics of participation in a maximum security prison},
  author={Berk, Christopher D},
  journal={Critical Inquiry},
  volume={44},
  number={2},
  pages={275--302},
  year={2018},
  publisher={University of Chicago Press Chicago, IL}
}