Permeable prison walls: social relationships, symbolic violence and reproduction of inequalities

Abstract

The upholding of family ties during imprisonment is inscribed at the intersection of contradictory principles and practices that coexist in prisons. On the one hand, in the last few years,there has beenan increasing recognition of prisoners' rightsin correctional facilities. On the other, organizational models that target controland punishmentprevail in prisons, sustainingseveral forms of symbolic violence, such as hampering contacts with loved ones. Based on this framework, this article focuseson the management of pre-existing relationships during imprisonment. Drawing on 40 interviews conducted with male and female Portuguese prisoners, it explores the uses, meanings and perceived limitations of correspondence, phone calls, and visits.Data show that most prisoners creatively negotiate relationships in ways that make prison walls permeable to the circulation of affections, people and goods. Nevertheless, this kind of endeavour outlines how prison walls are also porous to the reproduction of social inequalities that extensively challenge the preservation of social ties.