Educational opportunities in respect units. A case study

Abstract

The specific objective of this article is to present the results of a research carried out to explore the educational possibilities offered by Respect Unit number 5 in Valdemoro Prison (Madrid). The article presents information provided by the prisoners themselves and civil servants working in this particular Unit. Regarding the prisoners, the research has consisted on a biographical-narrative methodology, with a multiple case study approach, focusing on cross-life stories, of an interpretative kind. By focusing on prisoners’ life experiences, we have been able to develop educational social and personal categories that follow the staying at this Respect Unit. In relation to the civil servants, semistructured interviews were conducted. Research findings show clear differences between Respect Unit number 5 and other Units of the prison. Both the prisoners as well as civil servants have highlighted the following benefits: living a life that feels closer to the one outside prison (consisting on living under rigorous schedules, clear and high performance standards, continuous reinforcements and feedbacks, participation and organization of activities), and a biographical sense of personal change (based on stories of lifestyle breaks, existing valuation of getting a good education and training, positive expectations to stay away of the criminal career, and, finally, a personal perspective on re-education and social rehabilitation that refers to a new beginning in their lives).