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Today’s guest is David Skarbek, an Associate Professor of Political Science and Political Economy at Brown University.  He is also the author of two books:

The Social Order of the Underworld: How Prison Gangs Govern the American Penal System

The Puzzle of Prison Order: Why Life Behind Bars Varies Around the World

When many people outside the prison system think of prison gangs, they think of chaotic bands of violent, racist thugs. Few people think of gangs as sophisticated organizations (often with elaborate written constitutions) that regulate the social and economic life of the prison. Yet as David argues, gangs form to create order among outlaws, producing alternative governance institutions to facilitate their illegal activity. David studies the political economy of these gangs within our prisons globally and his works have appeared in both economics and political science journals.  If you haven’t read them yet, his books are also a great reference for all correctional officers.

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Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!