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Social Positioning of Convicts in a Czech Prison: Tactics, Ties and Positions
PhDr. Jan Drahoňovský, University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Education, Institute of Social Studies, Department of Cultural and Religious Studies
Abstract
This article examines how convicts in a Czech men’s prison find their place among others. Based on qualitative research conducted in a standard dormitory-style prison, the study demonstrates that social position arises not only from formal status or subcultural hierarchy but also from the intersection of reputational markers, unofficial contact roles, relational ties, and social tactics. The main contribution of the article is an analytical scheme of social positions based on two axes: relational engagement and self-assertion. The study thus offers a relational and process-oriented perspective on the prison social order, which better reflects the fluidity of everyday prison life.
Keywords: social position of convicts; social tactics; prison society; field research.