In 'On the Run', Alice Goffman immerses herself in the lives of young African American men in Philadelphia, exploring the relentless pursuit they face from law enforcement. Through vivid storytelling and firsthand experience, Goffman reveals the systemic injustices and societal pressures that drive them into a world of constant flight. The narrative unveils the emotional and psychological toll of evasion, not just on these individuals but also on their families and communities. As the characters navigate a landscape rife with danger, readers are prompted to rethink notions of crime, punishment, and the American justice system. This gripping account invites readers to bear witness to a hidden reality that challenges the status quo.
By Alice Goffman
Published: 2015
"In the shadows of the city, where survival often trumps the law, we learn that freedom is not just a state of being, but a dance with danger."
Originally published: Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2014, as part of the Fieldwork encounters and discoveries series.
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“In the shadows of the city, where survival often trumps the law, we learn that freedom is not just a state of being, but a dance with danger.”
On the Run
By Alice Goffman
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Alice Goffman is a renowned American sociologist and author, best known for her compelling works on urban life, inequality, and the criminal justice system. Her notable works include 'On the Run: Fugitive Life in an American City,' which explores the ramifications of life in a marginalized community in Philadelphia and won the 2015 C. Wright Mills Award. Goffman's writing style is characterized by a deep ethnographic approach, blending rigorous academic research with vivid narrative storytelling that brings to light the lived experiences of her subjects.
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