Journal article
Discouraging dignity: Linguistic barriers to transforming the prison environment
International journal of law, crime and justice, v 82, 100755
Sep 2025
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
There has been a recent push towards person-first language to describe people detained in the carceral system. This paper widens that lens, focusing on the language used to describe individuals who work in the system, specifically those perceived as pursuing too much dignity for incarcerated people. The paper revolves around a qualitative analysis of data from semi-structured interviews with 14 DOC employees involved in a prison reform project. By semantically analyzing variations in language meaning and purpose, the study finds that reform-minded correctional officers differentiate how they talk to and about incarcerated people. Also salient is that prison staff can be subject to language-based stigma if they are perceived as too sympathetic to incarcerated people. Specifically, the terms “inmate-lover” and “hug-a-thug” are pejorative and are employed by other correctional officers to undermine reform-oriented colleagues. We explore the various definitions and meanings of these terms and contemplate their policy significance.
• This study presents an examination of language-based obstacles that may face reform-oriented correctional officers and leaders.
• The terms “inmate-lover” and “hug-a-thug” are identified as pejorative words used against reform-oriented prison staff by other prison staff.
• The definitions and meanings of “inmate-lover” and “hug-a-thug” are explored.
• Implications for the role of language in the context of correctional reform are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- Discouraging dignity: Linguistic barriers to transforming the prison environment
- Creators
- Veronica L. Horowitz - University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkSteven L. Chanenson - Villanova UniversityChristopher Uggen - University of MinnesotaHannah Nario-Lopez - University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkSynøve N. Andersen - University of OsloJordan M. Hyatt - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- International journal of law, crime and justice, v 82, 100755
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd; London
- Number of pages
- 12
- Grant note
- Arnold VenturesNordic Research Council for Criminology
This study was funded by Arnold Ventures, the Nordic Research Council for Criminology, and the authors' respective Universities. The authors also want to acknowledge and thank Emily Greberman and Caleigh Lueder for their invaluable research assistance.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Criminology and Justice Studies; Center for Public Policy; Center for Science, Technology, and Society
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001501552000001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105006698637
- Other Identifier
- 991022055239804721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Criminology & Penology
- Law