| Abstract [eng] |
This paper examines manifestations of dehumanization in a correctional facility. Dehumanization is the total or partial denial of human qualities or human nature, which frequently accompanies cruel acts and causes suffering. The paper analyzes the case of Alytus Prison. Drawing on scientific research into the effective resocialization of inmates and guided by human rights principles, a correctional facility must be a place of restricted freedom, not a place where human rights are restricted or degraded. The aim of this study is to determine whether there are expressions of dehumanization in the language of prison staff and, if so, to identify the forms they take. Furthermore, the study seeks to reveal other forms of dehumanization — not merely linguistic ones — that may emerge through the analysis of interviews. A qualitative approach was employed for data collection and analysis. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted, with the guidelines developed by the author of this study in collaboration with master's students in Applied and Theoretical Criminology at the Faculty of Philosophy of Vilnius University, under the supervision of Dr. Jolanta Aleknevičienė. Data were collected at Alytus Prison on April 11, 2025. The study participants included 14 staff members and 16 inmates serving custodial sentences at Alytus Prison. The study revealed instances of dehumanization at Alytus Prison however, a shift toward implementing a more humane prison management model is also being observed. Such changes are being introduced by young prison staff members and female officers. It is also observed that new staff members sometimes, albeit reluctantly, partially adopt the longstanding traditions of prison culture, meaning that the humanization of prison discourse remains a slow process. It is essential for individuals serving custodial sentences to recognize that imprisonment does not deprive them of their human status. The dehumanizing principles of prison subculture are upheld not only by those serving custodial sentences but also by some staff members. Moreover, dehumanization is observed in all directions: staff toward inmates, staff toward staff, inmates toward staff, and inmates toward inmates. The study provided a deeper understanding of the manifestations of dehumanization at Alytus Prison, and the findings may prove useful in creating a more humane prison environment, improving communication strategies, and reducing the potential negative impact of language on individuals serving custodial sentences. The study also contributed to existing knowledge in both linguistics and sociology concerning the phenomenon of dehumanization. Keywords: dehumanization, animalization, objectification, social power, prison. |
