Slobodenyuk E., Volkova E. Forms of cohesion in confinement institutions. Actual problems of Economics and Law. 2015. Vol. 36. No. 4. P. 261-272.

Òåêñò ñòàòüè íà ñàéòå æóðíàëà URL: https://publications.hse.ru/pubs/share/folder/n2umxj6s99/177477188.pdf (äàòà îáðàùåíèÿ 31.07.2026)

Abstract

This study examines forms of social cohesion in correctional facilities. It employs a qualitative data analysis approach based on in-depth semi-structured interviews. The study adapts Western methodologies for analysing the phenomenon of social cohesion to the Russian context, operationalises the moral foundations of group cohesion, and develops an interview guide based on this framework. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals recently released from general- and strict-regime correctional colonies. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed several structural dimensions reflecting the diversity of forms of cohesion, as well as one dimension that was particularly significant for prisoners’ everyday lives and therefore most clearly recognised and articulated by respondents. Analysis of this dimension made it possible to identify a set of groups characterised by different degrees and forms of cohesion. In terms of the strength of cohesion, these groups can be classified as weakly cohesive (“mujiki”), moderately cohesive (“krasnye” and “blatnye”), and highly cohesive (“fighters”). With regard to the nature of cohesion, the prison community includes both groups based on the morality of social order (“krasnye” and “blatnye”) and a group demonstrating a high degree of cohesion grounded in the morality of social justice (“fighters”). A detailed analysis of the latter group also shows that cohesion may simultaneously combine elements of both social justice morality and social order morality. Original contribution: The study contributes to the field by applying the social-psychological theory of moral motivations to the analysis of the foundations of social cohesion. Practical implications: The findings may be used in the development of socio-psychological approaches aimed at supporting reforms of the penitentiary system.