1st Edition
Understanding the Educational Experiences of Imprisoned Men (Re)education
Preface
1. Prison Education in Context
2. Finding Voices
3. Pains and Coping with Time Inside
4. Shaping and Reshaping Identity
5. Education and Relationships
6. Education and Desistance
7. Understanding Education in Prison
Biography
Helen Nichols is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Lincoln. She researches contemporary imprisonment with specific interests in education in prison, the experience of imprisonment and the sociology of imprisonment.
"Helen's book, Understanding the Educational Experiences of Imprisoned Men, thus reflects her 10 years of academic and teaching work in prisons, and has again offered invaluable insight to me. Each chapter explores highly relevant themes connected to the educational experiences, identities and journeys of imprisoned men. The first chapter begins by identifying the tension for anyone serving time in prison, or for that matter, working in a prison education department. It is within this tension, Nichols argues, that prison learners and educators must find a way to navigate the many complexities of prison life and the barriers that can impede educational flourishment. In the following chapters, Nichols discusses broad themes such as desistance, identity and relationships on the inside and outside of prison, and how these themes intimately connect with prisoners’ educational journeys through prison. Her reflections are rooted in the words of people on the ground in prison, as each chapter has excerpts from serving prisoners, prison leavers and prison staff collated from her work over the last decade. In the course of these discussions, Nichols introduces the reader, through accessible language and an engaging tone, to some of the most important works of prison sociology. "
- Angelique Mulholland, Prison Service Journal, Issue 263, pg. 62- 63
Dr Nichols’ book has for me highlighted the failings in the provision of support for those like myself that wish to study beyond Level 2, and I can only hope that prison Governors and education providers in our prison estate begin to place some resource into the provision of higher education sooner rather than later. Having lived in the closed, prison estate for the past 15 years, it is refreshing to read a book that is balanced and provides a true insight into the prison education system. Understanding The Educational Experiences of Imprisoned Men is not just the typical outsider’s view of prison education, with detailed and considered analysis within each of the seven chapters, supported by contributions from prisoners past and present, and education staff who all provide vivid real-life testimony. Dr Nichols, in writing her book, has put the spotlight back on prison education and ignited fresh debate. Progress in the criminal justice system is always slow, but with a little effort and using this book as a guide, positive changes can be made."
- Glenn is a life sentenced prisoner at HMP Berwyn, Prison Service Journal, Issue 263, pg.64
