Gifts from the Dark

Without minimizing the systemic injustices and disparities of mass incarceration, Gifts from the Dark challenges the mindset of incarceration as a solely one dimensional, deficit event. Instead, this book argues that the prison experience can potentially be one of transformational learning.

While in no way supporting the systemic injustices and disparities of mass incarceration, Gifts from the Dark: Learning from the Incarceration Experience argues that we have much to learn from those who have been and are in prison. Schwartz and Chaney profile the contributions of literary giants, social activists, entrepreneurs, and other talented individuals who, despite the disorienting dilemma of incarceration, are models of adult transformative learning that positively impact the world. The authors interweave narratives with both qualitative and quantitative research references to analyze the role of solitude, writing, non-verbal communication; race and gender; physical exercise; education; technology; family and parenting; and the need to “give back” that precipitate transformative learning. The prison cell becomes a counterspace of metamorphosis. In focusing upon how men and women have chosen the worst moments of their lives as a baseline not to define, but to refine themselves, Gifts from the Dark promises to forever alter the limited mindset of incarceration as a solely one-dimensional, deficit event.

Part I: Adult Transformative Learning and the Prison Experience

Chapter 1: Prison Writing: A Literary Tradition

Chapter 2: Incarceration: The Disorienting Dilemma toward Transformation

Chapter 3: Transformation: A Brave Act

Chapter 4: Understanding the Role of Race and Gender

Part II: Learning that Transforms the Self

Chapter 5: Sitting with Yourself: Cells of Silence and Solitude

Chapter 6: The Organic Intellectual

Chapter 7: Higher & Continuing Education: Attracting the Best Students

Chapter 8: Exercising Body and Mind: Habits and Flow

Chapter 9: Emotional Intelligence and the Prison Experience

Part III: Learning in Relation to Others

Chapter 10: The Black Family and the Incarceration Experience

Chapter 11: The Prison Experience and Technology

Chapter 12: Non-verbal Communication

Part IV: Learning that Transforms the World

Chapter 13: Giving Back

Chapter 14: Criminal Justice Reform: Everyone’s Responsibility