Prisonomics
Behind Bars in Britain's Failing Prisons
Published on 10. October 2013
Book
Hardback
336 pages
978-1-84954-622-5 (ISBN)
Description
When economist Vicky Pryce admitted taking speeding points meant for her former husband, the ex-Cabinet minister Chris Huhne, she found herself convicted of perverting the course of justice.After a very public trial she was sent to East Sutton Park prison near Maidstone. There, she kept a diary in which she recorded her very challenging experiences and her strong views on how the prison system works, especially with regard to how it treats women. The result, Prisonomics, will provide a compelling analysis of the cost to the economy, as well as the human cost, of keeping women in prison. In it, she uses her personal experiences and professional understanding to look at how prison works, and should work, from an economist's perspective. Royalties are being donated to Working Chance. Working Chance is a charity (1131802) which changes lives and changes society by finding women ex-offenders work.
Reviews / Votes
"It is excellent that an economist like Vicky Pryce is able to use her first-hand experience of the prison system to inform a sensible - and realistic - debate about prison economics." Nick Hardwick, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons "Vicky Pryce is one of the leading figures on public policy in the UK: analytical, thoughtful, experienced and well-respected. This is a very important contribution." Lord Stern, Professor of Economics, LSE, and President of the British Academy "A deeply impressive and powerful book, with formidable conclusions informed by painful personal experience and supported by respected independent academic research: it should be read by every justice minister and prison service director who gives a damn." Mark Leech, The Prisons Handbook "Expert evidence from a top economist who is also a former prisoner merits both public and political attention. The waste of public money and individual lives in British prisons is so scandalous that ideas for radical reform are essential." Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform "What does resonate is her look at the plight of female prisoners." The Sunday Times "Relentlessly upbeat and uncomplaining - above all, Prisonomics is Vicky Pryce's redemption - one is struck by her mental strength and a talent more common among men than women for compartmentalising emotions." The Times "[A] Compelling account." Mail on Sunday (Eire) "Vicky Pryce has done the state some service by writing about her two-month journey through HMP's Holloway and East Sutton Park...Yet for all its personal detachment, this book does not lack fervour - Pryce argues her case capably - [She] convincingly argues the public expenditure case for alternatives to prison for women. Her voice is a welcome support to Jean Corston's cause." The Observer "[Prisonomics] is a sobering, compelling read that would serve as a blueprint for any politician who wanted to focus seriously on reform - Her observations brought logical conclusions - Her grasp of the facts is startling." The Guardian "Vicky Pryce [ - ] brings her economic expertise to bear on an issue which rarely gets such rational treatment." Belfast Telegraph "Laden with economic arguments and analytical comments from inside experts." Total Politics "It was about time somebody wrote this book, about the economics of keeping women in jail." Daily Express "Pryce's new book Prisonomics, combines her prison experience and economic expertise in a compelling analysis of the human and financial cost of the prison system." Jewish NewsMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 135 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-84954-622-5 (9781849546225)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
10/2013
Biteback Publishing
€14.99
Available for download
Person
Vicky Pryce is an economist and commentator. Following a number of positions in the banking and oil sectors, she worked as senior managing director at FTI Consulting; was the director general for economics at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS); was a partner and chief economist at KPMG; and was the joint head of the UK Government Economics Service. In 2000 she co-founded the Good Corporation to promote corporate social responsibility. Pryce is the author of several publications, including Greekonomics and Restarting Britain. She lives in south London and has five children.