Investigating Discursive Shifts in the Social Construction of Private Prisons

• In Event: Media and Public Policy

Abstract

The use of private prisons has been a source of controversy since their use was initially proposed in the privatization movements of the 1980s. Neoliberal proponents of privatization have long argued that for profit prisons incentivize cost savings and efficiencies. Critics of this model have questioned how for-profit systems can be sustainable and accountable. Indeed, many recent scandals have underscored some of these concerns (i.e. “Kids for Cash). This paper examines how such scandals may influence or change the discourse of prison privatization. What, if any, discursive shifts are discernable after a major scandal in a privatized prison system? Are there differences in how vying social actors respond to these scandals in different localities? Using a critical discourse analysis of both print and social media, this paper will examine how the language of prison privatization changed in response to for-profit prison scandals in three different states. Triangulating between print and social media sources, we will ascertain the similarities and differences between the responses to each scandal. Overall, the analysis will focus on how vying interest groups compete to publicly construct the reality private prisons after a major scandal. Public policy implications will also be considered.

Authors

• Brian Wolf, University of Idaho

• Joseph De Angelis, University of Idaho

• Kristine Levan, University of Idaho

• Claire Whitley, University of Idaho