“It gives you peace of mind”: Reflections on living in a single cell on Little Scandinavia

• In Event: A Changing Prison Environment? Preliminary Empirical Observations from The Scandinavian Prison Project

Abstract

After much delay and anticipation in May of 2023, the “Little Scandinavia” unit officially opened and was partially filled with 24 men. For most of these men, their experience of incarceration prior had involved sharing a cell with a cellmate, and having a single cell represented one of the most meaningful differences that living on “Little Scandinavia” had on their daily lives in prison. Drawing on interviews with these 24 men conducted after these men had been living on “Little Scandinavia” for 4 months, this paper investigates how residents experienced having access to a single cell. In general, men described having a single cell as a tremendous benefit, especially for their mental and emotional well-being. Some of the advantages of a single cell included peace of mind, time and space to decompress, the ability to focus more on self-improvement, and the ability to self-isolate when necessary. These findings have important implications for DOC policies, suggesting that broadening access to single cells for individuals living in general population units across the DOC could improve the overall health of incarcerated persons and potentially reduce conflict and violence.

Authors

• Veronica Horowitz, University at Buffalo, SUNY

• Jordan Hyatt, Drexel University

• Steven L. Chanenson, Villanova University

• Synøve Nygaard Andersen, University of Oslo