Introduction

In this introduction to a special issue focusing on the intertwining of gender and prison normativities, we first offer a definition of the notion of gender, which is the subject of much controversy and approximation. Then, its heuristic potential is demonstrated, as well as the epistemological perspectives that its development opens up, from the pen of feminists in particular, for research on prison and for science in general. After a plea for a fluid approach to carcerality, it is shown that practices in prison, as well as the corresponding scientific literature, unfortunately remain highly impervious to gender issues. Finally, a critical presentation of the collected contributions reveals that this special issue includes both previously unpublished data, and meta reflections about the contribution of a ’gender lens’ to research about carcerality.