About this episode
The episode explores the sensory experiences of prison life and the dynamics of violence and survival among young offenders.
The winner of the British Society of Criminology Book Award in 2025 was Kate Herrity. Her study looks at the way our different senses contribute to the experience of prison life and is called Sound, Order and Survival in Prison: The Rhythms and Routines of HMP Midtown. Her research looks at the way for many prisoners, listening becomes a vital survival practice. Kate Gooch is a Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Bath. In her new book, 'Prison Violence - The Search for Recognition and Respect', she analyses the nature, causes and culture of prison victimisation in an English young offender institution for men aged 18-21 years old. Her research examines how hierarchies develop, how fear circulates, and how both staff and young men negotiate constantly shifting landscapes of threat, reputation and authority. Laurie Taylor presents. Producer: Natalia Fernandez
People in this episode
Host: Laurie Taylor
Guests: Kate Herrity, Kate Gooch
Topics covered
- prison life
- criminology
- prison violence
- survival practices
- hierarchies in prison
- young offender institutions
Keywords
- prison violence
- survival
- criminology
- prison life
- young offenders
- hierarchies
- fear
- authority
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: University of Bath
Books & works: Sound, Order and Survival in Prison: The Rhythms and Routines of HMP Midtown, Prison Violence - The Search for Recognition and Respect
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