Bearing Witness to State Power: Peer Support in Prison as an Expression of Generative Justice

McGowan, W ORCID: 0000-0003-0921-303X and Perrin, C (2026) Bearing Witness to State Power: Peer Support in Prison as an Expression of Generative Justice. In: McNeill, F, Corcoran, M and Weaver, B, (eds.) Generative Justice Beyond Crime and Punishment. Bristol University Press. ISBN 978-1529245905

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Abstract

This chapter connects the concept of generative justice with the opportunities and challenges inherent in peer support within carceral environments. Firstly, we provide some broad parameters and a description of what constitutes peer support. Next, we elucidate prison in terms of a particular spatial, temporal, and moral context within which peer support can, and does, take place. Thirdly, we establish how the practicalities of peer support in prison can fulfil, but perhaps also modify, the core features and requirements of generative justice. Finally, we frame the generative role of peer support in prison as ‘bearing witness’ to state power. We conclude with three concrete ideas and policy suggestions for how peer support can be utilised within prisons across the UK right now to operationalise generative justice principles.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	This is a post-peer-review, pre-copy edited version of a chapter published in Generative Justice: Beyond Crime and Punishment. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/generative-justice
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV7231 Criminal Justice Administrations H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV8301 Penology. Prisons. Corrections
Divisions:	Justice Studies (from Sep 19)
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Date of acceptance:	1 January 2025
Date Deposited:	29 Jan 2026 15:35
Last Modified:	29 Jan 2026 15:35
Editors:	McNeill, F, Corcoran, M and Weaver, B
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/25391

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