Jason Warr & Kate Herrity; (Audio) The Impact of Sound, Touch and smell in the Prison Environment

Summary

If you were to ask anybody who's lived or worked in a prison, what's the most striking thing about prison? I suspect their answer would fall within the domain covered by their research. So we're meeting with Kate Herity and Jason Waugh. Jason's not a new guest. If you've not already heard him talking about forensic psychology on a podcast a few weeks ago, then you really should. He's associate professor in criminology at the University of Nottingham with research interests in penology, the Sociology of Power, Narrative and Sensory Criminology and the Philosophy of Science.

https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/sound-order-and-survival-in-prison, Link to Kate's book.

https://sensorycriminology.com/home/ Link to Kate's, and others website.

This conversation explores the sensory experiences of individuals in prison and the impact it has on their well-being. The discussion covers the significance of sound, the role of silence and noise, the importance of smell, and the effects of poor ventilation in prisons. It also delves into the power dynamics of touch, including the lack of kind touch and the intrusion of unwanted touch. The chapters highlight the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and those with histories of trauma. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the often overlooked sensory aspects of the prison environment and their profound impact on individuals' lives. The conversation explores the sensory impact of prison environments on both prisoners and researchers. It delves into the imposition of power and touch, the riskiness of being a researcher in prison, and the impact of the sensory environment on researchers. The conversation also discusses the deliberate creation of harsh sensory environments as a form of punishment and the coping mechanisms employed by individuals to navigate these environments.

 

Takeaways

• The sensory experiences of individuals in prison have a significant impact on their well-being.
• Sound, silence, smell, and touch play crucial roles in shaping the prison environment.
• The lack of kind touch and the intrusion of unwanted touch can have profound effects on individuals in prison, particularly those with neurodivergence or trauma histories.
• Understanding and addressing the sensory aspects of the prison environment is essential for promoting dignity, well-being, and rehabilitation. The sensory environment in prisons communicates power dynamics and punishment.
• Researchers in prison must navigate the sensory environment and consider their own positionality.
• The sensory impact of prison affects both prisoners and staff, and can have long-lasting effects.
• The creation of harsh sensory environments is a deliberate part of the punishment in prisons.