GENDER AND PRISON

THE JAILING OF WOMEN IN THE BRAZILIAN PENITENTIARY SYSTEM BY THE CRIME OF DRUG TRAFFICKING

Abstract

The absolute population of women incarcerated in the penitentiary system grew vertiginously, and this incarceration movement was irrefutable and increasingly consistent. There is, however, an omission from the State regarding the increase in these figures. The entry of women into criminal activities is described as subordinate to the participation of men in these same activities. This emphasis takes the lead and reinforces female invisibility in the practice of violent crime and illicit activities. The social context in which female prisoners are found, as well as the gender discrimination they face within the prison, are fundamental to understanding the relationship of women to prison. Regarding the imprisoned woman, it is corroborated the idea that it is part of the statistics of marginalization and exclusion, being the majority black, with children, minimum level of schooling and poor. Nevertheless, more than half of these women account for the crime of drug trafficking. The impetus in the convictions of women for drug trafficking has caused a significant worrying increase in the number of women incarcerated, and this has been considered the crime responsible for placing more and more women behind bars. The objective of the study will be to understand how the gender oppression experienced by women in the Brazilian prison system and drug trafficking influence female crime and increase the percentage of women incarceration.