Behind Bars: Latino/as and Prison in the United States

Abstract

The book Behind Bars: Latino/as and Prison in the United States, edited by Suzanne Oboler, examines the disproportionate incarceration of Latinos in the U.S., attributing it to systemic racism, prejudicial media representations, and punitive immigration policies. The text argues that historical injustices, such as the Mexican-American War (1848) and Puerto Rico’s annexation, have perpetuated Latino marginalization, while contemporary policies like the war on drugs and strict juvenile justice measures have worsened their overrepresentation in prisons. Structured around systemic issues, lived experiences of Latino prisoners, artistic resistance within carceral spaces, and potential pathways for reform, the book offers an interdisciplinary analysis combining policy critique with personal narratives of resistance. While praised for its comprehensive approach, the high cost of the book may limit accessibility. The work employs critical race theory, intersectionality, and historical materialism to analyze racial hierarchies, gender dynamics, and colonial legacies shaping Latino incarceration.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)