Interactions between peoples in prison
An investigation into the perception of “otherness” in prison
The example of the Montorio prison.
Multidisciplinary research project.
Project leader: Dr Simona Marchesini
Scientific responsible: Dr. Silvia Negrotti
Collaborators: Dr. Sabaudin Varvarica, Dr. Vittorio Dell’Aquila
Project period: 1 September 2013 – 31 March 2014
In collaboration with the Montorio Penitentiary – Verona and the Prisoners’ Guarantor.
Sponsor: Biondani Ravetta Foundation ONLUS
Sponsorship: Provveditorato Regionale dell’Amministrazione Penitenziasia per il Triveneto, Ufficio dell’Esecuzione Penale Esterna di Verona; University of Verona.
Description
Alteritas studies the modes and terms of interaction between human groups in history and space. The research aims to identify and dimension the parameters of interaction as agents of possible integration. The study of perception and prejudice related to the encounter with otherness are fundamental themes of the research. Moreover, it serves as a rigorous scientific tool and, at the same time, can be easily accessible and available for any further discussion.
Within this framework, Alteritas has accepted the proposal put forward by the Biondani Ravetta Foundation and the Prisoners’ Guarantor of the Montorio di Verona penitentiary to address the interaction between people inside the prison starting from the observation that the prison, in a modern and globalised society, hosts an increasing number of inmates from different geographical areas, languages, religions, customs and habits. Consequently, it represents a privileged observatory for the present study.
The survey topics concern the geographical origin of the inmates, the language spoken, religion, traditions and customs of daily life (eating, drinking, dressing) inside and outside prison, interpersonal relations (inside and outside prison: marriages, children, prison staff and non-tolerance towards the other). The survey of these parameters by conducting focus groups (conversation groups of 8 people each) aims to verify certain cultural aspects and their correlation with the emergence of prejudice and its possible partial or total dissolution upon leaving prison. Qualitative research (interviews with groups in prison) will then be used to verify which prejudices are the hallmark of community life in prison, so as to be able to trace and highlight their persistence, reduction, modification in life outside prison.
We are pleased with the collaboration we had during the project with the research group “The Inside-out Outside-in South African Prisons Interest Group” (https://www.unisa.ac.za), coordinated by Professors Eduard Fourie, Carien du Plessis and colleagues from the University of South Africa, who added a short note on their work in our final report.
