Social Representation in Incarcerated Individuals in Peru 2024: A Systematic Review

Representación Social en Personas Privadas de su Libertad en Perú 2024. Una Revisión Sistemática

Abstract

This study presents a systematic review of social representations in prison contexts in Latin America. The research is based on the importance of understanding how shared perceptions and beliefs influence prison dynamics. The objective was to analyze how social representations are constructed in incarcerated individuals and their impact on penitentiary policies. A mixed approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, analyzing studies published between 2002 and 2024. Results highlight the prevalence of common challenges such as violence, overcrowding, and deficiencies in health care. It was identified that social representations play a crucial role in understanding criminal recidivism and the perception of public safety. The research reveals the need to integrate the study of social representations in the formulation of criminal and penitentiary policies. It is concluded that addressing social representations is fundamental to improve prison conditions, reduce recidivism, and promote effective social reintegration. The study suggests the importance of developing specific interventions based on the theory of social representations in the Latin American penitentiary context.