Surviving cell-sharing: Resistance, cooperation and collaboration. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muirhead, Aimee; Butler, Michelle; Davidson, Gavin
• Is Part Of: Punishment & society. Volume 25:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 500
• Page End: 518
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: cellmates -- prison cells -- adaptation -- overcrowding; Punishment -- Periodicals; Punishment -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Crime -- Sociological aspects -- Periodicals; 364.605
• DOI: 10.1177/14624745211062869
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-4745

Abstract

For decades, researchers have sought to understand the impact of imprisonment; yet we have a limited understanding of the lived experience of cell-sharing. To address this gap in knowledge, this paper draws on 37 semi-structured interviews with imprisoned adult men in Northern Ireland. While demonstrating that, for most, cell-sharing was a negative experience, imbued with discomfort, unease and distress, a new conceptual framework is presented that seeks to understand the tactics people use to manage cell-sharing, influences on their choice of tactics and the potential repercussions of these tactics. Potential implications for policy and practice are also discussed.