The forces that divide: understanding tension and unity among provincial correctional workers in Canada

ABSTRACT

Recognizing the importance of occupational social climates in shaping correctional work, we consider how social relations of work are understood by provincial correctional workers, including how organizational and operational factors influence such relations. Open-ended survey responses with provincial correctional workers in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba were thematically analyzed to explore perceptions of unity and tension within the occupational social terrain. We found a notable disconnect between frontline staff and senior management, marked by a bottom-up sense of mistrust and frustration. Contrary to findings elsewhere, a sense of outward suspicion did not appear to occur in parallel to a strong inward solidarity. Horizontal social relations were often described as fragmented due to factors such as divisive social practices (e.g. gossiping, cliques), normative occupational ideals, labor and work structures that create status differences and fluid work environments, and trying conditions of work. In this context, individualist rather than collectivist dispositions can come to shape working orientations, thus representing a contrast from traditional elements of frontline correctional cultures, such as in-group solidarity and loyalty.

KEYWORDS:

• Correctional work
• correctional worker well-being
• institutional corrections
• occupational culture
• organizational solidarity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) received financial support from the Canadian Institute for Health Research, Grant No. 16234.

Notes on contributors

Laura McKendy

Dr. Laura McKendy is a postdoctoral fellow at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Her research interests include the study of experiences in institutional and community correctional settings.

Rosemary Ricciardelli

Dr. Rosemary Ricciardelli is the Research Chair in Safety, Security, and Wellness at the School of Maritime Studies at the Fisheries and Marine Institute. Elected to the Royal Society of Canada, her research is centered on evolving understandings of gender, vulnerabilities, risk, and experiences and issues within different facets of the criminal justice system.