Prison Food: Identity, Meaning, Practices, and Symbolism in European Prisons

This book explores the symbolic significance of prison foodways to normalization, autonomy, identity construction, power, group formation, and security, tracing the rationalizations that policy makers attach to prison food. It emphasizes Belgian prisons and provides a nuanced conception of prison foodways for penologists, sociologists, and those interested in wider prison policy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 12 June 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the profound symbolic significance of prison foodways, drawing upon the rich tapestry of experiences shared by incarcerated individuals and staff. Through a meticulous exploration, it unravels the intricate ways in which these culinary practices shape and mold various aspects of prison life, including normalization, autonomy, identity construction, power dynamics, group formation, and security. Moreover, the book traces the evolution of prison food policies, from the water and bread diets of the 18th century to the contemporary concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19 through food distribution within correctional facilities. What sets this work apart is its unwavering focus on Belgian prisons, offering a unique perspective on the penal culture beyond the dominant Anglo-Saxon and Nordic studies. By examining prison foodways on both a micro and macro level, the book provides a deep and nuanced understanding of a penal environment that resonates with scholars, sociologists, policymakers, and those interested in the socio-cultural role of food in closed settings. This invaluable resource offers a multifaceted conception of prison foodways, enriching the knowledge and understanding of penologists, sociologists, and all those engaged in the study ofarceration and its impact on society.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 153 x 217 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030961244
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022