City University of New York (CUNY) CUNY Academic Works All Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects 6-2014 Existing But Not Living: Neo-Civil Death And The Carceral State CalvinJohn Nagel Smiley Graduate Center, City University of New York How does access to this work benefit ou?y Let us know! More information about this work at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/283 Discover additional works at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu This work is made publicly available by the City University of New York (CUNY). Contact: [email protected] EXISTING BUT NOT LIVING: NEO-CIVIL DEATH AND THE CARCERAL STATE by CalvinJohn Smiley A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Faculty in Sociology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, The City University of New York. 2014 CalvinJohn Smiley 2014 © 2014 CalvinJohn Smiley All Rights Reserved ii CalvinJohn Smiley 2014 This manuscript has been read and accepted for the Graduate Faculty in Sociology in satisfaction of the dissertation requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Professor Juan Battle Date:___________________________ X:__________________________ Chair of Examining Committee Professor Philip Kasinitz Date:___________________________ X:___________________________ Executive Officer Professor David C. Brotherton: ______________________________________ Professor Lynn Chancer: ___________________________________________ Professor Jock Young (In Memoriam): ________________________________ Supervisory Committee THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK iii CalvinJohn Smiley 2014 ABSTRACT EXISTING BUT NOT LIVING: NEO-CIVIL DEATH AND THE CARCERAL STATE BY CALVINJOHN SMILEY Advisor: Professor Juan Battle In 2010, the United States prison releases exceeded prison admission for the first time since the Bureau of Justice Statistics began collecting jurisdictional data in 1977. Prisoner reentry—the transition from prison to community—has grown exponentially in the 21st century. While individuals are coming home in larger quantities, many formerly incarcerated men and women lose social, political, and economic rights, otherwise known as civil death. The fundamental purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the impact of civil death on prisoner reentry. More specifically, how does the loss of civil rights construct notions of citizenship for recently released men and women? In addition, how do men and women navigate and negotiate the reentry process with both legal-related barriers imposed by the State as well as social obstacles created by incarceration? A community-based reentry program in Newark, New Jersey, is the field site of this research. Employing qualitative methods: interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observations, this research explores the development of the prison industrial complex, which has led to mass incarceration and the growing prisoner reentry industry. The findings of this research give insight to the furthered underdevelopment of low-income communities via the carceral continuum. iv CalvinJohn Smiley 2014 Dedicated to Mary Nagel my beloved Grandmother (May 6, 1917- September 15, 2013) v CalvinJohn Smiley 2014 Acknowledgements: I need to say that there have been many people in my life who have been supportive and encouraging to both my academic and personal growth. I am sure I will miss someone in this section, please do not take it as an insult but know I am thankful to all those who have touched my life whether listed or not. First, I need to thank Dr. Tanya Saunders. Tanya encouraged me to apply to the Graduate Center and pushed me to accept the offer. Additionally, I need to thank Dr. Heather Beth Johnson, Dr. Edward P. Morgan, Dr. Yaba Blay, Dr. Brian Pinaire, Dr. Richard Matthews, and Mr. Rob Herb; all were supportive of me during my time at Lehigh University. This collection of individuals encouraged, challenged, and supported me in a variety of ways that prepared me for the doctoral program. Dr. John Torpey of the Graduate Center who consistently wrote me letters of recommendation and assisted in securing funding throughout my time as a doctoral student. I must thank Ms. Rati Kashyap, the coordinator of the sociology department, for all her help with all questions. I want to thank the Office of Educational Opportunity and Diversity Programs for the Dean K. Harrison Award and the Institute for Research on the African Diaspora in the Americans and the Caribbean for the dissertation fellowship. In addition, I must extend my gratitude to The Felix Schnur Scholarship Dissertation Award and Doctoral Student Research Grant Program #7, which supported my research. I need to thank Ms. Laura Bowman (CCNY), Theresa Rockett (John Jay), Christina Willoughby-Fullwood (Hunter) and Yvette C. Sumpter- Broomes (Hunter). These four women were tremendously helpful throughout my time as an adjunct. Without them, I do not know how I would have been able to financially support myself as a graduate student. vi CalvinJohn Smiley 2014 My fellow graduate students and friends who have been supportive and helped talk out and elucidate many ideas: Kevin Moran, Sara Martucci, Melani Lorek, Dave Monghan, Pete Ikeler, and Michelle Pelan. Additionally, I must thank Maria Pietruszka who has read and supported me during my final months of writing and finalizing this document. I must thank: Daniel Harris, Michael Harris, Mario Campo, Jonathan Edwards, Garrett E. Richardson, and Ahmed Salim for their support as life-long friends as I pursued my Ph.D. I have to thank the staff of my research field site, particularly Dr. Jennie Brown, Mr. Jerome Young, Mr. David Silva, and Mr. Warren Thompson. Without them, my research project would not have been possible. Their insight and experience in the field of prisoner reentry was essential in crafting this project. In addition, my appreciation to all participants in my interviews, focus groups, and clients of the organization who took time to speak with me, educate me, and inform me about their personal narratives and allow me to record and write about their lives. I am deeply thankful and indebted to these men and women. The Omicron Kappa Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. I could not ask for a better collection of brothers. They are nothing short of some of the most successful, admirable, and accomplished men who have achieved in every field of human endeavor. I’m reminded of what one older brother told me, “Ph.D. stands for nothing more than Poor, h.ungry, and D.etermined.” This short and maybe corny phrase is something that I never forgot and used as motivation through all the stress and frustrations as a doctoral student. I need to extend a special thanks to the brothers I have spoken to every day to explain, talk through, and get feedback about my research. I would like to thank: Zahir Carrington, Uhuru Aseto, Karl Brisseaux, Kareem M. Lucas, Sean Allen, Bradley Thomas, Tennyson Hinds, Adrian Bruce, Kester Barrow, Greg Anderson, and Curtiss Jones for your support, comic relief, and brotherhood. vii CalvinJohn Smiley 2014 I must extend a personal thanks to Dr. Keesha Middlemass who has been a mentor, advisor, ally, and friend. She has helped me grow as a scholar in so many ways. I also need to send a special thanks to Mr. Ernest Caldwell. Ernest has been more than a friend, mentor, but a father figure. I have been able to go to Ernest about anything or obstacles in my life. I must take time to individually thank my committee. First and with a heavy heart, I must thank the late Dr. Jock Young. Jock was a great criminologist, sociologist and human. Being fortunate enough to have Jock read, give feedback, and constantly challenge my work with his signature humor will forever be remembered. Second is Dr. Lynn Chancer who has been an excellent committee member by reading any and all work I have given her. She provides such keen commentary and excellent feedback that has in return made my work that much better. I appreciate all she has done for me, particularly being such an ally as I applied for job positions. Next is Dr. David C. Brotherton. Dave has been an excellent mentor in challenging and making me think critically about my work. Like Jock, Dave has a great sense of humor, which was always enjoyed speaking about my research over a beer. Finally, Dr. Juan Battle. I do not think I could have asked for a better advisor and mentor. From the moment I entered the Graduate Center, Juan took me under his wing and constantly challenged and supported me in my research and work. When I asked Juan to be my dissertation advisor the first thing he told me was that he was demanding of his graduate students and I cannot be more grateful for this. I never once questioned Juan’s leadership because he always had my best interests at heart. Juan is someone who really loves his students. Their success is a reflection of the dedication he has to them. Finally, I must thank my family. First is my father Calvin Smiley Jr. While we have had an unconventional and at times rough relationship, I still thank you for the love that has never wavered for me. Without you, I would have not been introduced to the reentry organization that viii CalvinJohn Smiley 2014 became my field site. Next, I would like to thank my aunt, Karen Nagel-Hedtmann (“Nanny”), who has been instrumental in raising me as well as always ready for stimulating political conversations that have kept my interest to continue to learn. I have to thank my late grandmother, which this dissertation is dedicated to, Mary Nagel. Your unconditional love and support has been with me since birth. While I’m saddened by the fact that you could not be with us in celebrating this joyous occasion, I know you are proud and with me in many other ways.