User:Jaroslav Pravoslav Novák/Carceral capitalism

Carceral capitalism, which is sometimes also referred to as prison capitalism, is a term used in social sciences to denote an economic system predominantly in private prisons. The concept is primarily used in relation to the prison model in the United States of America.

Characteristics

Carceral capitalism is an economic model used in private prisons, where prison operators utilize cheap labor. Prisoners are paid the smallest possible amount of money for the value they create during their work. In these prisons, there is no entitlement to a minimum wage compared to regular citizens outside prison, no sickness benefits, no compensation for injuries, and no workplace safety standards, because under the law, a prisoner is not considered an employee.^[1]

Possible effects on the democratic system

Private prisons naturally have greater profits from a higher number of prisoners on their premises and from longer sentences, which can lead to financial support for politicians and political parties, or political movements.^[2]

Carceral capitalism in the US

The term "carceral capitalism" is often associated with the United States of America, as this phenomenon is frequently observed there. In the American context, there is also discussion of the so-called prison-industrial complex (a term by Angela Y. Davis), where there is an interconnection between the prison environment and the capitalist way of handling labor and workers. An example of this is the link between the military industry and prison labor, where the resulting industry produces all military helmets, pants, shirts, and other significant products for the American army.^[3] This complex is so influential and exploitative towards prisoners that in states like Florida, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and Arkansas, no wages are paid to prisoners for their work. Funding for prisons also comes from the state and private investors. Among the largest investors in private prisons in the USA are Bank of America, Suntrust, US Bank, and other American banks.^[4]

References