Gender-Sensitive practices in the Portuguese Prison System: A critical analysis based on the perspectives of prison staff and inmates

Description

Drawing on the perspectives of prison staff and men and women inmates, this paper critically examines the so-called gender-sensitive practices in Portuguese prisons. Since the 1990s, academic research has evidenced gender-based obstacles in the life trajectories and in the incarceration experiences of women serving prison sentences in Portugal. However, few studies have critically examined the implementation of practices aimed at responding to gender-specific needs and thus reducing gender-based inequalities. This paper aims to fill that gap. Based on in-depth interviews with inmates and prison staff, our findings reveal that, despite advancements in gender-related laws and recommendations in the country, some prison practices remain gender-blind and reinforce gender stereotypes. For example, caregiving roles are still emphasized for women, and services like parental education and childcare are offered mostly to them, despite the gender-neutral language in prison regulations.

Period	4 Sept 2025
Event title	25th Annual Conference of the European Society of Criminology: Logos of crime and punishment
Event type	Conference
Location	Athens, GreeceShow on map