Feeding Relationships: Foodways and Social Networks in a Women's Prison. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smoyer, Amy B.
• Is Part Of: Affilia. Volume 30:Number 1(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 26
• Page End: 39
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: family systems -- health and well-being -- qualitative -- women in prison; Social work with women -- Periodicals; Women social workers -- Periodicals; 362.8305
• DOI: 10.1177/0886109914537490
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0886-1099

Abstract

Research has demonstrated the importance of supportive relationships and social networks to prisoners' psychosocial outcomes, especially for women. Understanding how these relationships are constructed, negotiated, and sustained is, therefore, critical for social workers and other professionals who work with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated clients, and/or their family and friends. This article analyzes formerly incarcerated women's narratives about prison foodways, demonstrating the centrality of these systems to prisoners' relationships and building knowledge about everyday inmate interactions with people inside and outside of prison. Research, clinical, and policy recommendations suggest ways prison foodways could be altered to strengthen prisoners' relationships.