Abstract
This paper aims to demolish some myths about research in prison settings, as well as to propose an original theoretical anchor for such research and a practical application in the field. Researchers often use Erving Goffman's theoretical concept of the total institution in their research in penitentiary settings.
However, for serious reasons, I consider this concept not only outdated, but downright misleading and preventing real insight into everyday prison life. It is based on the theory of social pathology, which puts a wall between prisoners and staff.
I propose a radical rethinking and rethinking of the prison as any other organisation with its functions, structure and, above all, culture. Prisoner subculture can then be seen as a natural reaction to the existence of an organisational culture and cannot be seen as its opposite.
The interpenetration of organisational culture and prison subculture establishes prison everyday life. Next, I consider the practical possibilities of field research in a prison setting with some less common methods of validation.
I also consider the ethical issues raised by such research.