Sociologist in the total institution

Abstract

On the basis of empirical experience from practical work this paper discusses the real place and role of the sociologist in the prison, as a total institution, where sociologists are employed as educators, along with other professions (psychologists, educationalists, social workers, etc.), and usually closely cooperating with lawyers. According to the current work regulations, and on the basis of practice so far, the sociologist can work as classical educator, to be in charge of educational groups of inmates, work in the reception department on assessing incoming inmates, and to organize inmates' leisure time by directing them towards pro-social and creative activities (music, painting, reading, etc.). New reform trends in working with inmates suggest new work methods, such as creative workshops, counselling in the sphere of substance abuse and dependency, or expert teams in working with minors. In the prison, the sociologist is indispensable as a researcher of criminal activities