Common Traits of Punitive and Patriarchal Power

Abstract

The punitive power manifested especially in the existence and use of prisons, but also generally (in relation to itself and other persons, in the family, school, business, etc.), is intimately involved with patriarchy: it emerges from it and for it. When analyzed in detail, it reveals many characteristics of the system of patriarchal oppression, which is universal and is found throughout the known history of humanity. The prison as symbolic axis, as well as the complex that is called penal justice, is better understood in relation to the elements that make up the patriarchy, which can also be better understood by analyzing the logic of punishment. These issues are treated in this text, which seeks to integrate the visions offered by abolitionism and feminism, which lead to the conclusion that a general cultural, civilizing change is needed. In this regard, the article analyzes, after a brief introduction, why punitive power is a patriarchal power, and then furthers the analysis with a look at six traits these powers share: 1) the disregard for life, 2) the generation of servants (victims, incapable, infantilized), 3) the fraudulent use of science, 4) the interest in breaking the bonds of solidarity, 5) the basis in dualistic logic and 6) the relationship between the concept of “guilt of punishment” and the “you are mine” of the patriarchy. Finally, the article outlines some conclusions, stressing the need for a cultural shift that renounces punishment, eliminates patriarchy and calls on women to apply such transformations, but not before proposing ideas to make progress on that path.

Keywords

• abolicionismos
• cambio civilizatorio
• feminismos
• patriarcado
• prisión
• punición.