Women and handcuffs: the motherhood of imprisoned women in the light of social science

Abstract

One in three pregnant women in prisons were required to wear handcuffs at childbirth. The Brazilian prison reality has been the object of important academic reflections, essential to the proper understanding of violence. There is a consensus that the precariousness and inadequacy of the organization result in several problems. Thus, this paper discusses the peculiarities faced by women prisoners, and aims to analyze the effects of imprisonment, ruptures and experiences for incarcerated women in their maternal relationships. Research apporaches the relationship of women inside and outside the prison, focusing on the disruptions effects. Therefore, this text proposes to identify the shades, fractures and continuities in their relationships, especially as maternal. Also, it is justified due to the repercussion generated by incarceration, because of the breach of expectations about female behavior. For this purpose, we methodologically compare the literature and take into account studies and research on women’s prison and its nuances, as well as statistical data published by official bodies.