Prison subculture in Poland before and after 1989

• In Event: PWG - Caste, race, and prison subcultures

Abstract

The Polish elections on June 4, 1989, marked a watershed moment in the trajectory of reforms within the prison system. Prior to this juncture, prisons grappled with numerous issues, including overcrowding leading to cramped living conditions (even below 1 m² per person), a shortage of essentials with restricted access to basic needs, and low-quality food. Staff shortages exacerbated management and security challenges. The prison conditions reflected the structural difficulties inherent in the shortage economy of the real socialist era. In such circumstances, a robust prison subculture based on 'grypsowanie' emerged, regulating daily life within the confines.

Post-1989, reforms were implemented to enhance living conditions in prisons. This included reducing the number of inmates, improving access to goods and medical care, and establishing a minimum of 3 m² of space per prisoner. Alternative methods of serving a sentence, such as electronic monitoring systems, were introduced, with over 7,000 individuals utilizing this system in 2021. The influence of the grypsowanie subculture waned, and its impact on prison life diminished. Monetary transactions increasingly regulated relationships within cells. Additionally, Polish prisons opened up to non-governmental organizations and media after 1989, contributing to improved transparency and control over the system.

Author

• Kamil Miszewski, University of Warsaw