Abstract

MANSILLA PEREZ, María Noelia de las Mercedes  and  MACEDO, María Guadalupe. Education, penitentiary administration, and activism: A qualitative exploration of the university education experience in correctional units 1 and 4 in the Province of Salta. Sinéctica [online]. 2023, n.61, e1534.  Epub Feb 06, 2024. ISSN 2007-7033.  https://doi.org/10.31391/s2007-7033(2023)0061-014.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze, based on a local experience, the tensions arising from the interaction between educational practices, access to rights, and the bureaucratic dynamics of penitentiary institutions, disciplinary administration, and punishment. The methodology employed was based on a qualitative and interdisciplinary approach, primarily involving active and participatory observation, emphasizing the concept of 'being there' in the field of study. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with local agents, and documentary analysis was used to enhance the understanding of the dynamics under study. The results highlight the numerous challenges involved in the development of this practice in penitentiary environments for both students and teachers. This practice is hindered by institutional violence and the prioritization of security over rights, despite the rhetoric of regulations and even the penitentiary authorities acknowledging the rights of detainees. In this context, self-management and activism have become essential tools to facilitate access to education. In conclusion, educational practices in penitentiary contexts as a human right constitute a complex experience riddled with conflicts and contradictions.

Keywords : prison education; human rights; penitentiary administration; activism; interdisciplinary qualitative research.

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