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Lushnikov D.A. [Social stigmatization and deviant identity of convicts: a sociological analysis of penitentiary adaptation] Political Science and Technology, 2025, Vol. 5, Iss. 2 Available at: https://politicjournal.ru/PDF/03PK225.pdf (in Russian).

Social stigmatization and deviant identity of convicts: a sociological analysis of penitentiary adaptation

Lushnikov Dmitry Alexandrovich
North Caucasus Federal University, Stavropol, Russia
E-mail: dlushnikov@ncfu.ru
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0352-4662
RSCI: https://elibrary.ru/author_profile.asp?id=180540

Abstract. Social stigmatization and deviant identity of convicts are traditionally among the most important sociological objects of research. This is due to the fact that the practice of executing sentences related to isolation from society that has developed in recent decades has created conditions for two independent (usually negative) trends: penitentiary post-penitentiary adaptation of convicts. The article attempts to examine the processes of stigmatization of convicts and the formation of their deviant identity in the conditions of the penitentiary system. Based on the sociological concepts of stigma (E. Goffman), the theory of labels (G. Becker) and the theory of total institutions (E. Goffman), the author analyzes the mechanisms of social control that form stable deviant roles among convicts in a closed society. Special attention is paid to the peculiarities of the influence of various institutional norms, informal sanctions and intra-prison stratification on the social adaptation of prisoners to the conditions of a penitentiary institution (stay in a closed society). The convict’s stay in a penitentiary institution is usually associated with significant changes in his social characteristics. Their presence also implies consideration of the problem of post-penitentiary stigmatization, which prevents the successful reintegration of former convicts into society, and possible ways of destigmatization. The author rightly notes that without proper sociological monitoring, an effective solution to this problem is significantly difficult. The article concludes that there is a need for an integrated approach to resocialization, including changing social attitudes, creating rehabilitation programs and developing restorative justice. Only an integrated approach to the implementation of the entire range of post-penitentiary programs can achieve the goal of correcting those sentenced to imprisonment.

Keywords: stigmatization; deviant identity; penal enforcement system; penitentiary society; deviant behavior; penitentiary institutions; social adaptation; resocialization; convicts; penitentiary subculture; integration

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