Carcerality in the Absence of Statehood: An Ethnographic Exploration of Washingtonians’ Rehabilitation in Federal Correctional Institutions

Abstract

Advocacy for Washington D.C.’s statehood has been a growing phenomenon within the political sphere of the United States. The capital city’s constituents uniquely lack representation within the Congressional bodies that it possesses. This thesis explores the relationship between Black Washingtonians’ harmful experiences with the criminal justice system and their disenfranchised constituency. Its arguments derive from conversations with staff members and clients of the non-profit organization, Advocates for Another Chance. It will specifically analyze the clients’ carceral experience under the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons in which their disconnect from their native communities disrupts their sociality. I also explore how these individuals were abandoned by the federal government when re-introduced to their respective communities in the district. The thesis’s conclusion strongly recommends the federal government grant the district statehood and provide Washingtonians with autonomy to reform the criminal justice system and perpetuate rehabilitation for incarcerated people.