Addressing the needs of people in prison: the case of prison work

Abstract

ABSTRACT The research literature exploring prison work includes few studies that address the perspective of a prisoner’s needs. In this paper, we argue that adopting the lens of a thin and thick understanding of human needs (Dean, H. [2010]. Understanding Human Need. Policy Press) in the analysis of prison work could allow the development of a more critically nuanced perspective on prison work. The article is based on interviews with 14 prisoners in Belgium. The analysis indicates that, while prison work focuses primarily on addressing thin needs of people in prison, a thicker understanding of human needs is needed. Social work can play a critical role in supporting the identification and claiming of both thick and thin needs of people in detention. These processes could yield a more balanced understanding of how needs can ultimately be translated into rights.