LEITURA LITERÁRIA E REMIÇÃO DE PENA NO PRESÍDIO PADRÃO DE SANTA RITA-PB: Uma análise da conjuntura atual e propostas de melhorias para projetos artístico-literários

Abstract

The general aim of this research is to understand the relevance of literary reading practices within the prison context and how literature can become a considerable resource in the process of “recovering” inmates. Using theoretical concepts from authors such as Cosson (2015), Candido (1989), Foucault (2019), Carrascosa (2015) and Goffman (1961) to discuss notions both about the role of literature in prison environments and about the prison environment itself as a disciplinary and punitive space, the research is based on the principle that education and literature – as a human right (Silva and Peruzzo, 2019) – can actually bring about significant improvements even in an adverse space such as the prison environment. The methodological procedures include on-site observations, interviews with staff at the Standard Prison of Santa Rita-PB, as well as qualitative assessments of both the structural and educational conditions of this prison (I made periodic visits to the prison institution between february and september 2024). From verifications of a prison environment in practice, accompanied by research into the importance of literature in this context, it was found that literary reading enables the (re)construction of critical, expressive, communicative, identity and social skills for inmates. By suggesting the implementation of some methodologies and approaches – with regard to literary reading practices – in the Standard Prison of Santa Rita-PB, the research indicates that only with the help of various components of society – whether public authorities or civil citizens in general – can educational programs be improved in the Brazilian prison system.