Gender Equality in Prisons: A Feminist Policy Analysis of the Spanish Case

• In Event: Critical Approaches to Gender-Sensitive Policies in Prison Systems (I)

Abstract

This presentation aims to showcase the results of an analysis of Spanish gender equality prison policies from a feminist policy analysis perspective. It seeks to enhance the interdisciplinarity of gender and prison studies by applying the analytical and theoretical tools of feminist policy analysis.
Research in this field has extensively examined policy design and formulation by analyzing discourses, problem definitions, and policy frames. More recently, attention has also turned to the implementation and impact of gender equality policies. Additionally, scholars have explored the role of various stakeholders, such as equality machineries and alliances among feminist actors from movements, institutions, and academia. While feminist policy analysis has covered different sectors of policy intervention, the penal system remains largely absent from this approach.
This paper has a twofold objective. Theoretically, it aims to provide a roadmap for academics and practitioners, offering key tools for studying penal policies through the lens of feminist policy analysis. Empirically, it presents an examination of the formulation and implementation dynamics of gender equality policies in Spanish prisons.
From the Spanish case study, four main conclusions emerge: first, the formulation phase has been significantly shaped by the absence of feminist movements and gender experts, leading to the adoption of traditional views on women’s nature and needs. Second, a lack of knowledge or agreement on policy objectives has generated resistance, obstructing progress. Third, the conceptualizations of gender equality embedded in policy documents can influence future courses of action. Finally, the continued absence of feminist movements in the post-adoption phase limits opportunities for redirecting policies toward a more transformative approach.

Author

• Ana Ballesteros-Pena, Complutense University of Madrid