Foundations for an analysis of social inequalities and oppressions in female incarceration

intersectionality as a tool in criminological critique

Abstract

The knowledge of critical criminology has brought important insights to the field of criminological thought, however, it has been questioned by theoretical approaches developed from feminist and antiracist movements, which problematize the singular view of social class in penal selectivity and the exercise of punitive power over marginalized individuals. In this context, this study analyzes gender inequalities in the penal system, incorporating intersectionality as a theoretical tool of critical criminology to examine social data and highlight the intersections between gender, race, and class within the scope of criminal justice, with a focus on the prison system. Intersectionality is thus presented as an essential critical social theory for contemporary criminological thought, capable of offering interconnected analyses that emphasize the urgency of a gender perspective in the discussion about the mass incarceration of women. Using the deductive method and bibliographic research technique, the study aims to answer the following question: how can critical criminology, allied with intersectional theory and the paradigm shift it brings, contribute to the development of more effective strategies in addressing the mass incarceration of women? By filling gaps in contemporary criminology with an intersectional perspective, the study proposes an analysis of the vulnerabilities faced by women in the penal system, linking this reflection to the principles of social justice, particularly regarding the guarantee of freedom and equality.