The study of the phenomenon of structural violence is of great value for understanding such aspects as its causes and possible consequences. Golembeski, in his book review entitled “Life and death in Rikers Island,” raises the question of the functioning of the penitentiary system and how it affects modern society. Conducting this research work provided an opportunity to raise new questions about the topic under study and made a significant contribution to the already existing knowledge about issues of healthcare in the penitentiary system.
To gain an understanding of the contribution of work to the scientific field, it is necessary to assess how other researchers view the significance of the paper. Unfortunately, the study of online platforms and sources did not bring significant results regarding this aspect since a limited number of articles or posts were presented that would evaluate this aspect. However, many authors point to the constant growth and expansion of the problem, which is understood in the work by Golembeski. Thus, it is emphasized that “enhancements in prison healthcare may not only improve the general health of those in prison but also contribute to a decrease in miscommunication” (Semenza & Grosholz, 2019). Furthermore, the problems of healthcare in the penitentiary system and their detrimental effects are considered by many scientists, which gives value to the article chosen for examination. It is worth noting that during the study of the article, no significant implications were identified. On the other hand, the issue may become a gathering of critical and reliable information due to possible prohibitions on the dissemination of data regarding the penitentiary system.
Reported research resulted in the formulation of new questions, which also confirms its essential place in the study of the raised issue. One of these questions is the ways in which changes may be required in the modern penitentiary system to limit health problems (Golembeski, 2020). Moreover, how the topic chosen by the author can be most effectively distributed between policymakers and practitioners for the fastest response and change of the situation that has arisen. It is worth noting that many researchers support the point of view studied by Golembeski in her book review. Bordere (2021) stated that “in NYC jails, violence often goes unchecked, unsupported, and without penalty for correction officers guilty of this crime and inmates developed through exploitation and violent encounters with correction officers are penalized for seeking necessary medical attention and justice” (p. 1). In addition, Sue (2022) suggests that “these fragmented subjectivities can foment social criticism, propel advocacy towards decarceration, and produce a critically engaged dialogue towards a goal of health justice” (p. 1). Thus, this contributes to a greater spread of awareness regarding this topic.
In conclusion, it is worth emphasizing that research made a significant contribution to human knowledge. This is due to the fact that many researchers supported the critical nature of the topic of the treatment of prisoners and how it adversely affects their well-being and the healthcare system as a whole. Even though Golembeski did not have significant practical applications, it gave an empirical context to the problem raised, on the basis of which it is possible to develop policies and strategies to change the current situation. The information provided in this essay contributed to the formation of a high assessment of the significance of research conducted by Golembeski.
References
Bordere, T. C. (2021). “Not just the actions of a few bad apples:” Reflections on institutionally sanctioned violence and medical neglect in Rikers Island: edited by Homer Venters. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press. Death Studies, 45(8). Web.
Golembeski, C. A. (2020). Life and death in Rikers Island. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Semenza, D. C., & Grosholz, J. M. (2019). Mental and physical health in prison: how co-occurring conditions influence inmate misconduct. Health & Justice, 7(1), 1-12. Web.
Sue, K. L. (2022). Violence at Rikers island: Does the doctor make it worse? A clinician ethnographer’s work amidst carceral structural violence. Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry, 1-20. Web.