ABSTRACT

Category D open prisons mark a critical juncture of a prisoner’s sentence as they near the end of imprisonment and reach the cusp of release. Such establishments aim to support prisoner re-entry by offering greater freedom and autonomy. A greater understanding of the reality of life within an open establishment and exactly how these conditions support prisoner re-entry is needed. This study is made up of interviews with 11 prisoners residing in a UK open prison. Interviews were analysed qualitatively using interpretative phenomenological analysis which revealed two superordinate themes: ‘redemption through active citizenship’ and ‘coping with invisible boundaries’. These themes are unpacked and their relevance to prisoner re-entry are discussed. The study found that greater freedom and autonomy encouraged reciprocal support amongst residents. Participants discuss strategies they utilise to help them to cope with the ‘pains of freedom’. Implications for supporting individuals in their transformation from prisoner to citizen within an open establishment are highlighted and suggestions for future research offered.

摘要

D 类开放式监狱标志着囚犯刑期的关键时刻，因为他们接近监禁结束并到达释放的边缘。此类机构旨在通过提供更大的自由和自主权来支持囚犯重新入狱。需要更深入地了解开放机构内的生活现实以及这些条件如何支持囚犯重新进入。这项研究由对居住在英国开放式监狱的 11 名囚犯的采访组成。使用解释性现象学分析对访谈进行了定性分析，该分析揭示了两个上级主题：“通过积极的公民身份进行救赎”和“应对无形边界”。这些主题被解开，并讨论了它们与囚犯再入狱的相关性。研究发现，更大的自由和自主权鼓励了居民之间的相互支持。参与者讨论他们用来帮助​​他们应对“自由之痛”的策略。强调了支持个人在开放机构内从囚犯转变为公民的意义，并提供了对未来研究的建议。