The Structure of the Inmate Population in Czech Prisons Cover Image

The Structure of the Inmate Population in Czech Prisons
The Structure of the Inmate Population in Czech Prisons

Author(s): Lukáš Dirga, Alena Lochmannová, Petr Juříček
Subject(s): Criminology, Social Norms / Social Control, Penal Policy
Published by: Sociologický ústav - Slovenská akadémia vied
Keywords: prison; prison service; prisoners; inmates; social hierarchy; Czech Republic; ethnography; qualitative methodology

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the study was to analyse how a social hierarchy among inmates in Czech prisons is formed and reinforced. The data presented in this paper is based on the original ethnographic research conducted in Czech prisons. The data for analysis was collected from qualitative interviews with selected participants of the prison environment, observations carried out inside the prisons and from documents related to the Czech prison service. The findings indicate that the formation of inmate hierarchy in Czech prisons is strongly influenced by both endogenous (physical strength, psychological manipulation, economic capital, criminal history) and exogenous (effect of prison authority) factors.

  • Issue Year: 47/2015
  • Issue No: 6
  • Page Range: 559-578
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: English