Anti-Service and the Prison–Industrial Complex

Abstract

Mass incarceration and its impact on communities and families has received considerable attention in the news media. Over time, the United States has become a world leader in the percentage of the population serving time in prisons, with a disproportionate number coming from African American neighborhoods. Lying underneath the situation is a prison–industrial complex of public and private organizations that serve this vast marketplace in diverse ways. However, for reasons that have roots in historical race relations in the United States, women and men serving prison sentences have become key components in a system that drives profitability for private companies but often fails to consider inmates’ intricate set of needs or their rehabilitation. This case chronicles the introduction of a new district sales manager to the prison market space, as she learns about and confronts the role of her firm in this conundrum.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

You are not authorized to view Teaching Notes. Please contact your librarian for instructor access or sign in to your existing instructor profile.
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles