This book explores how prison life is normalized in different countries, with a critical and detailed look at ‘Scandinavian exceptionalism’ ― the idea that Scandinavian prisons have exceptionally humane conditions ― and compares these prisons to ones in Belgium. It provides a more nuanced, systematic and contextualized comparison of normalization in two countries. Through analyzing policy and legislative documents, participant observation and interviews, it seeks to understand how normalization is implemented differently in prison legislation, policies and practices and compares the two societies for context. It also considers the material prison environment, security, the social environment and the use of time in prison. It provides insights into how normalization can be successfully and holistically implemented in both policy and practice, to contribute to a more ‘pure’ form of liberty deprivation as punishment without too many unintended effects.
Author(s): Helene De Vos
Series: Palgrave Studies in Prisons and Penology
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 351
City: Cham
Acknowledgments
Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Emergence of the Principle: Differing Interpretations from the Start
1.2 Normalization of Prison Life: Its Scope and Limits
1.3 Normalization Through a Comparative and holistic Lens
References
2 Normal, Normality and Normalization: Towards a Context-Based Analysis
2.1 Three Components of the Normalization process: Aims, Focus areas and Results
2.1.1 Aims of the Normalization Process: Intrinsic versus Instrumental
2.1.2 Focus areas of the Normalization process: Narrowly Focused versus Holistic
2.1.3 Results of the Normalization process: Intended Versus Actual
2.2 From Theory to Practice: Two Countries and Four Prisons
2.2.1 A Collective Case study
2.2.2 Four Prisons
Hoogstraten
Leira
Leuven
Nermarka
2.3 Conclusion
References
3 Same Principle, Different Logics
3.1 An Intrinsic Versus an Instrumental Interpretation
3.1.1 Prisoners’ Rights and Harm Reduction in Belgium
3.1.2 Normalization with the View of Reducing Recidivism in Norway
3.2 Focus Areas and Intended Results of Normalization
3.2.1 ‘Focus Areas’ and Intended Results of Normalization in Belgium
3.2.2 ‘Focus Areas’ and Intended Results of Normalization in Norway
3.3 Conclusion
References
4 Abnormal Kitchen Knives: Creating the Material Conditions for Normal Prison Life
4.1 Beyond ‘Improving’ the Material Environment
4.2 Legislative Translations of a Normalized Material Environment
4.3 The Material Prison Environment in Practice
4.3.1 Mediaeval but Normalized: Inside the Old Stone Castle
4.3.2 Normalizing Life in a Nineteenth-Century Prison
4.3.3 Window Dressing in Norway?
4.3.4 Normal Material Conditions for a Normal Drug-Free, Crime-Free and Responsible Life
4.4 Conclusion
References
5 Security and Normalization: A Double Balancing Act
5.1 The Ambiguous Relationship Between Normalization and Security
5.2 Security in Relation to Normalization: A Legislative Perspective
5.3 Striking the Right Balance Between Security and Normalization in Prison Practice
5.3.1 Openness as a Security Risk
5.3.2 The Panopticon in Action
5.3.3 Synergies Between Security and Normalization
5.3.4 Security as a Means to Normalize or Discipline?
5.4 Conclusion
References
6 Emancipation Versus Forced Social Education: Normalizing the Social Dimension in Prison
6.1 The Distinct Social Environment in Prison
6.2 The Normalization of the Social Environment as Reflected in Belgian and Norwegian Legislation
6.3 Setting the Right Conditions for Normal Social Interaction in Practice
6.3.1 Enabling Various Social Roles in the Two Belgian Prisons
6.3.2 Living Together in a High-Security Prison: High Expectations and Many Frustrations
6.3.3 Multi-layered Roles of Prisoner and Prison Officer
6.4 Conclusion
References
7 From Killing Time to Using Time: Normalizing the Time-Use in Prison
7.1 Prison Time: An Invisible Source of Pains
7.2 Normalizing the Use of Time in Prison: A Legislative Perspective
7.2.1 Individualized Detention
7.2.2 Import Model
7.2.3 The Right to Work Versus the Duty of Activity
7.3 Normalizing the Use of Time in Prison Practice
7.3.1 Education and Work as Intended Results
Structure and Waiting: Two Sides of the Same Coin
The Prison’s Pathways to Prisoners’ Reintegration
7.3.2 Empty Time and Boredom
Boredom and Fear of Negative Thoughts
Organized Activities: A Welcome Change to Isolation and Boredom
7.3.3 Mandatory, Comfortable and Meaningful Activities
Mandatory Activities
‘Free’ Time
Comfortable Versus Meaningful Time-Use in Prison
7.3.4 Dictated by the Clock
Prison Routines
Lack of Mental Stimulation
Mandatory Activities and ‘Tight’ Follow-Up
7.4 Conclusion
References
8 Normalization, Punishment and Exceptionalism: What Do Normalized Prison Conditions Teach Us About Societies?
8.1 Normalization as a Process: Insights from the Four Prisons in Comparative and Holistic Perspective
8.1.1 Normalization Is Essentially Relative and Subjective
8.1.2 Normalization Is the Interplay Between Policy and Practice
8.1.3 Normalization Is a Holistic Process Rather Than a Fixed Result
8.2 Deprivation of Liberty as Punishment
8.3 ‘Scandinavian Exceptionalism’ Through the Prism of Normalization
References
Index
