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Article Link 9.1: Crewe, Ben (2011). Depth, weight, tightness: Revising the pains of imprisonment. Punishment & Society, 13(5): 509-529.

The ‘pains of imprisonment’ have been a longstanding concern within prison sociology. This article revisits the topic, suggesting that modern penal practices have created some new burdens and frustrations that differ from other pains in their causes, nature and effects. It notes that the pains of imprisonment can be divided up conceptually, and to some degree historically, into those deriving from the inherent features of incarceration, those resulting from deliberate abuses and derelictions of duty, and those that are consequences of systemic policies and institutional practices. Having described the latter in detail – focusing on the pains of indeterminacy, the pains of psychological assessment and the pains of self-government, the article explains the relevance of the concept of ‘tightness’, as well as ‘depth’ and ‘weight’, to the contemporary prison experience.

1. What new penal practices have been introduced that have altered the pains of imprisonment?
2. How do inmates describe pains of imprisonment and their quality of life in prison?
3. How can pains of imprisonment be lessened through penal policies and practices?

Article Link 9.2: Liebling, Alison (2011). Distinctions and distinctiveness in the work of prison officers: Legitimacy and authority revisited. European Journal of Criminology, 8(6): 484-499.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for thinking about the work of prison officers. It is a well-known maxim that relationships are ‘at the heart’ of prison life (Home Office, 1984). In this paper, I develop and illustrate this proposition, arguing that the moral quality of prison life is enacted and embodied by the attitudes and conduct of prison officers. There are important distinctions to be made in their work: between ‘good’ and ‘right’ relationships; ‘tragic’ and ‘cynical’ perspectives; ‘reassurance’ and ‘relational’ safety; and ‘good’ and ‘bad’ confidence. These distinctions are largely unseen but are decisive in shaping the prison’s moral and social climate. The best prison officer work can be described using these kinds of distinctions.

1. How do the relationships between inmates and prison officers impact quality of life in prison?
2. How can prison staff behave legitimacy in the eyes of inmates?
3. What are examples of prison staff and/or rules lacking legitimacy?