Why Ramen Noodles Are The New 'Money' In Prisons

Why Ramen Noodles Are The New ‘Money’ In Prisons by La Monica Everett-Haynes-Arizona – Futurity

Ramen noodles are replacing cigarettes as a form of currency in US prisons. It’s not because of bans on tobacco products. To save money, prisons have cut back on the quality and quantity of food they serve.

The rise of ramen as currency in prison signals “punitive frugality,” indicating that the burden and cost of care is shifting away from prison systems and onto prisoners and their support networks, says Michael Gibson-Light, a doctoral candidate in the University of Arizona School of Sociology.

“Punitive frugality is not a formal prison policy, but rather an observable trend in prison administration practice in institutions throughout the country.

“Throughout...