Imprisoned women and professional intervention in Spain

Women deprived of freedom present some profiles and specific problems that distinguish them from the male prison population. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate how these gender differences are presented in the different observations and practices of the professionals who are involved in prison establishments. This will be done by means of a qualitative study with the participation of 22 professionals who work in three Spanish detention centres: Zuera (Zaragoza), Ponent (Lleida) and Palma (Mallorca). The results of the analysis show two main professional positions: the discourse and praxis that is present in the question of gender and the position that reproduces the patriarchal cultural patterns. Among the proposals for improvement revision of notions and prison treatment plans for women that are more appropriate to their specific needs are necessary.