"This Ruins Lives": Using Monopoly© to Understand the Prison Industrial Complex. Issue 3 (3rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shah, Rita
• Is Part Of: Journal of criminal justice education. Volume 33:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 406
• Page End: 425
• Publication Date: 2022-07-03
• Subjects: Prison industrial complex -- Monopoly -- prisons -- criminal justice -- board game; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Study and teaching (Internship) -- United States -- Periodicals; Criminology -- United States -- Periodicals; 364.071
• DOI: 10.1080/10511253.2021.1973206
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1051-1253

Abstract

Abstract: Monopoly ©, the classic board game that celebrates capitalism, has been used in a variety of classes to help students understand concepts such as the impact of systemic racism on generational wealth and global inequality. In this article, I explore the use of a modified version of Monopoly © to explain the prison industrial complex (PIC). In reviewing post-game evaluations, I find the game is a fun in-class activity that helps students better understand the financial interests private industries have in the prison system and the impact of the PIC on incarcerated individuals. I also discuss suggestions for improving the game as a pedagogical tool, as well as limitations it poses as a classroom activity.