Provost’s Colloquium Series Presents “Ear Hustle”

Scott Mathers

Posted by: admin on October 25, 2023, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University’s Provost’s Colloquium Series, an intellectual experience that promotes dialogue among ESU faculty, staff, students, and community, continues the Fall 2023 semester with a presentation by Scott Mathers, Ph.D., assistant professor, sociology, social work and criminal justice, titled “Ear Hustle” on Wednesday, November 1, at 12:30 p.m. in Beers Lecture Hall. The presentation will also be live streamed on the ESU Live Events webpage.

This presentation will detail cutting-edge reforms of Norwegian prison designs that are being implemented in Pennsylvania and across the United States. Dr. Mathers, a qualitative researcher, will use social media narratives to explain how a unique case study of a transgendered female named Lady Jae help us understand prison reforms. Having work experience with at-risk youth and gang members, Mathers crafted an expertise pulling important narratives from the lived experiences of his clients. He applies that strength to a research agenda which uses social media as criminological data. “You have to hear and listen a long time to hone this craft,” Mathers stated. “Often, utterances as well as the timing of questions are some of the most important tools in this method.”

Norwegian prison designs and the corresponding philosophical principles guide prison reforms unmatched around the world. With the lowest crime rates, prison population, and recidivism, Norwegian prisons are the envy of the world. Although prison designs are data-driven, the data is qualitative data, in sharp contrast to United States prison designs. Prison administrators are paying attention. Large, notorious institutions such as San Quentin are shutting down and re-opening “Norwegian Style Prisons.” Entire states, such as North Dakota, are revamping all prisons to a Norwegian design. To find out how Lady Jae’s story, and her experiences as a transgendered inmate, explain why Norwegian prisons work you have to attend this lecture!

For more information about the Provost’s Colloquium Series, contact Christina McDonald, director, office of sponsored projects and research, at (570) 422-7954 or cmcdonald9@esu.edu.