The prison system is increasingly being used as a method of dealing with marginalized groups in society. Prisons in the UK are overcrowded and at maximum capacity. Many prisoners come from poor, uneducated, and deprived backgrounds. Studies show high concentrations of prisoners live in deprived housing, have low levels of education and often face learning difficulties. Additionally, many prisoners struggle with issues like alcohol and drug abuse or unemployment, which can contribute to criminal behavior.

1. To what extent is the prison system being used increasingly in our society as a method of dealing with the marginalised people in our society, fulfilling Charles Murray’s vision of the ‘custodial state.’ Socio-economically marginalised prisoners.