Theoretical and empirical limits of Scandinavian Exceptionalism: isolation and normalization in Danish prisons

Drawing on interviews with 76 prisoners, 47 prison staff, and 14 experts, we document lived experiences of punishment in the Danish prison context. We argue that, regardless of “humanizing” elements of normalization and humanity, prisoners and staff may experience the power of the carceral state in...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Reiter, Keramet (Author) ; Sexton, Lori (Author) ; Sumner, Jennifer (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2018
In: Punishment & society
Year: 2018, Volume: 20, Issue: 1, Pages: 92-112
Online Access: Presumably Free Access
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Keywords:
Exceptionalism
Pains of imprisonment
Prison
solitary confinement
Denmark
Description
Summary:Drawing on interviews with 76 prisoners, 47 prison staff, and 14 experts, we document lived experiences of punishment in the Danish prison context. We argue that, regardless of “humanizing” elements of normalization and humanity, prisoners and staff may experience the power of the carceral state in Denmark in ways similar to those under more obviously harsh confinement regimes, as exist in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in the United Kingdom. Ultimately, macro-level theories like Scandinavian Exceptionalism serve as a rhetorical tool, implying that harsher prison systems are fixable, but fail to reflect the micro-level realities of incarceration.
ISSN:1741-3095
DOI:10.1177/1462474517737273