Performance of occupational roles of women in prison

Abstract

Introduction: This article discusses the occupational characteristics of the roles of mother, worker, and student among women deprived of their liberty at the Medium Security Prison and Penitentiary for Women in Bucaramanga. Objective: To explore the occupational characteristics in the roles of incarcerated women. Materials and Methods: A qualitative investigation with a phenomenological design, which allowed for a deep understanding of the women's characteristics. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted, five of which were applied to women who fulfilled the roles of both mother and student, while the remaining were for women who were mothers and worked within the prison. Results: Despite being deprived of their liberty, women reported that their relationship with their children is optimal, feeling a greater sense of closeness while in prison compared to being outside. However, there is no physical contact with their children due to various factors, such as their children living in other places, family members separating them, or economic hardship. On the other hand, the penitentiary offers educational and labor-related productive activities. Conclusions: Occupation for incarcerated people (PPL) is relevant because it helps mitigate negative thoughts related to confinement and separation from their children. The various work activities carried out in the Integrated Special Educational Cycles (CLEI) provide valuable learning and help in life projection.