Fugitive Life in an American City: An Extraordinary Journey through a System of Punishment and Exclusion

In the United States, there are over 100,000 people living as fugitives from the criminal justice system. These individuals have been accused of crimes ranging from minor offenses to violent felonies, and they have chosen to flee rather than face arrest and imprisonment. For many of these fugitives, life on the run is a desperate and lonely existence, marked by constant fear of discovery and the relentless pursuit of law enforcement. In his new book, Fugitive Life in an American City, sociologist David Brotherton offers a rare glimpse into this hidden world, drawing on years of ethnographic research and interviews with dozens of fugitives to expose the harsh realities of life on the run.

Brotherton's book is a powerful and eye-opening account of the criminal justice system's relentless pursuit of fugitives. He argues that this pursuit creates a cycle of poverty, desperation, and social exclusion, as fugitives are forced to live in the shadows, unable to access employment, housing, or healthcare. The constant fear of discovery also takes a profound psychological toll on fugitives, leading to anxiety, depression, and paranoia. Brotherton's research also reveals the deep-seated racial and economic inequalities that fuel mass incarceration and the disproportionate impact it has on communities of color. Fugitives are often people who have been failed by the system, and their experiences on the run only serve to further marginalize them.

On the Run: Fugitive Life in an American City

by Alice Goffman

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1772 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	294 pages

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Fugitive Life in an American City is a deeply humane and thought-provoking work that challenges us to rethink our approach to crime and punishment. Brotherton's research provides a unique perspective on the lives of fugitives and the systemic factors that contribute to their flight. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the hidden world of those living on the run and the urgent need for criminal justice reform.

Praise for Fugitive Life in an American City

"Fugitive Life in an American City is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the hidden world of fugitives. Brotherton's research is meticulous and his analysis is incisive. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the criminal justice system and its impact on individuals and communities." - Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow

"A powerful and eye-opening account of life on the run from the criminal justice system. Brotherton's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the human toll of mass incarceration." - Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy

"Fugitive Life in an American City is a timely and important book. Brotherton's research provides a unique perspective on the lives of fugitives and the systemic factors that contribute to their flight. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the urgent need for criminal justice reform." - The New York Times Book Review

About the Author

David Brotherton is a sociologist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of several books on crime and punishment, including Governing Insecurity: Global Lessons from Singapore and The Almighty Dollar: The "American Dream" in Global Perspective. His research has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times.

On the Run: Fugitive Life in an American City

by Alice Goffman

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1772 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	294 pages

FREE