Drugs, gender, race, and class: an analysis of the narratives of women drug couriers in the female prison system

Abstract

The present study consists of an analysis of narratives involving issues related to gender, drugs, and incarceration, with a primary focus on reflecting upon the perspectives and guarantees of Human Rights for women “drug couriers” deprived of liberty. The aim is to understand the conditions experienced by these women through a reinterpretation of the historical development of drug policies, the challenges related to gender, and the social position of women, particularly within the context of incarceration at the Women’s Penal Colony of Buíque, Pernambuco, Brazil. The general objective of the study is to analyze the consequences of the Drug Law and the social markers of gender, race, and class, based on the lived experiences of women drug couriers imprisoned in this institution, through interviews conducted with the incarcerated women themselves and with members of the prison management team. The theoretical framework of the research is grounded mainly in the works of Boiteux, Pádua, Foucault, Biar, and Teles. Methodologically, this is a case study with a qualitative approach, employing bibliographic, exploratory, and descriptive research. The data production techniques included semi-structured interviews, as well as the use of field notes and non-participant observation. Data analysis was carried out using the content analysis technique. The findings indicate, based on the narratives collected, that these women strive for gender equality, class equality, and equal opportunities, recognizing one another through practices of sorority. Furthermore, it is observed that machismo manifests itself in an intense and structuring manner throughout the trajectories and experiences of this group.