Running Raza: Ethnoracial Identity Construction and Social Boundaries Inside Carceral Space

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Abstract

Using the case of Mexican-origin prisoners, this research examines the social construction of ethnoracial identities and the delineation of social boundaries within the context of Arizona prisons. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and autoethnographic somatic recall, the study details how Mexican-origin prisoners navigate, negotiate, and construct their racial and cultural identities—as either raza or paisa--within a racially stratified and hierarchical prison system. The article delves into the complexities of group affiliation, highlighting the interplay between time, space, and ethnic, national, and regional identities that shape the social dynamics among Mexican-origin prisoners. The research also emphasizes the role of language, cultural practices, and historical experiences in forming solidarity and division among the incarcerated Mexican-origin population. Furthermore, the study investigates how interactions with agents of the state, "security threat groups" (i.e., prison gangs), and other racial and ethnic groups, including Black and White prisoners, influence these identity constructions. The findings illustrate how prison settings function as microcosms of broader societal issues related to race, ethnicity, and power, with a particular focus on the impact of immigration status and Mexican heritage in shaping perceptions of belonging and exclusion. Ultimately, the article contributes to a deeper understanding of how identity is both fluid and constrained within the carceral system, offering insights into the broader implications of racial and ethnic dynamics in prison life.

Author

• Enrique Olivares-Pelayo, University of Arizona