| Abstract [eng] |
Relationships between prison officers and prisoners within prison institutions are of critical importance – not only for the effective organization and execution of prison sentences and the preparation for successful reintegration, but also in fostering a prison environment grounded in safety, respect and humane treatment. In Lithuania, this topic has received limited attention – there is a lack of empirical research exploring how these relationships are formed, how they affect prisoners’ experiences of punishment, what challenges arise, and which areas are being overlooked. This master’s thesis, which present an empirical case study of Alytus Prison, contributes to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the complex and multilayered nature of relationships within the prison system – shaped by various aspects of sentence serving and everyday prison work. The research findings show that the professional life of the prison staff – their perception of their duties, workload, and attitudes – plays an important role in shaping relationships with prisoners. At the same time, although the influence of the criminal subculture is declining, it still plays a crucial role in shaping social interactions between prisoners and officers. The results of this qualitative study are relevant not only in the Lithuanian context but may also offer valuable insights for the international research community, particularly in studies focused on post-Soviet prison systems. In the future, comparative studies – such as those within the Baltic region – could be useful in identifying patterns, differences in sentence experience, and their underlying causes. |
