“Ah, fuck. Sorry for Swearing.”: The incessant role of swearing within Correctional Work

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

Norms within prison settings communicate meanings symbolically through language and in/formally governed across worker group, prison unit, and among interactions with staff and prisoners. The present study explores how such relationships are mediated by investigating how and why correctional officers (COs) swear and the cultural perceptions tied to such social circumstances and workplace dynamics. Drawing on longitudinal interview data with federally employed COs (n = 41) in Canada, using a semi-grounded constructivist approach, we qualitatively unpack how swearing is both a communication style (i.e., between prison residents and staff) that can impact COs’ sense of safety, and also how swearing is tied to CO culture. A paucity of research to date has investigated the manner by which COs employ the responsivity principle, especially within Canadian prisons. In the present study, we ask: in which ways do words symbolize effective service delivery (i.e., contributing to rehabilitation and relationship building or fragmentation) or, alternatively, provide insight into adaptations occurring within prison space? Our findings contribute to discussions about working relationships, prison workplace climate, and therapeutic alliances, particularly with respect to rehabilitation, introjection, and in-group acceptance.

Authors

• Mike Taylor, Memorial University of Newfoundland

• Zachary Towns, Memorial University of Newfoundland

• Marina Carbonell, Memorial University of Newfoundland

• Rosemary Ricciardelli, Memorial University