Cultural diversity at CCF : educating for understanding and respecting

Abstract

The purpose of my study was to evaluate the cultural diversity in prison on the self perception of inmates and employees in prison. Culture is the chief ingredient that shapes one's personal and social identity, thus it is imperative to understand and respect one's culture. My study aimed to enhance an intercultural educational context, by enlightening diversity through the skills of respect and understanding. In prison there is a multicultural population of inmates; owning different languages, religions, traditions, lifestyles, habits, as well different conceptions of morality. Consequently, intercultural competence is a significant issue which help the residents and employees to be able to communicate with each other's culture. In my research I focused on different aspects of culture; food, religion, and language. Through the use of philosophical inquiry and qualitative research, I analysed the cultural diversity and the cultural significance in prison, and the intercultural competence between inmates. At the end of my study I proposed different recommendations which can enhance cultural education in prison, and how inmates can understand, appreciate and respect cultural diversity. In my research I interviewed a correctional supervisor, and managed to meet some ex-inmates since at the moment access to prison is restricted, which for various reasons I did not get the permission to interview the prisoners. Through the use of a philosophical inquiry I gathered a lot of information about education in prison and intercultural education. This data helped me a lot in the build up of my recommended intercultural programme in prison.