What Do Those Who Don’t Have Money Do in Prison?
Although prisons are institutions that meet the basic needs of prisoners, money becomes an important element. We can examine the life of individuals who do not have money in prison and the possible solutions to this situation in the following items:
1. Basic Needs Are Met
The basic needs of every prisoner in prison, such as food, drink, shelter and hygiene, are met by the state. Therefore, someone who does not have money does not go hungry or homeless. However, these services provided by the state are limited and may be insufficient in terms of personal preferences.
Example: Food menus in prisons usually include basic and nutritious meals. However, prisoners can buy additional food or products of their choice from the canteen. Someone who does not have money is forced to consume only the food provided.
2. Cannot Shop at the Canteen
The canteen in prisons is an important source for personal needs. Inmates can buy food, drink, hygiene products and other personal items from the canteen. However, someone who does not have money cannot benefit from these opportunities.
Example: Toothpaste, soap or snacks purchased from the canteen are inaccessible to a prisoner who has no money. In this case, the person is forced to make do with only basic hygiene products provided by the state.
3. Asking for Help from Family and Relatives
One of the most common methods used by prisoners who have no money is to ask for financial help from relatives outside. Family members or friends can help prisoners meet their needs in prison by depositing money into their accounts.
Example: A prisoner’s sibling or a relative can send money to the prison via bank transfer so that they can shop at the canteen. In this way, the prisoner can benefit from the canteen services.
4. Solidarity and Assistance
A prisoner who has no money in prison can survive with the support of other prisoners. Thanks to the culture of solidarity that is common in prisons, other prisoners can share needs such as food, cigarettes or personal care products.
Example: The culture of sharing common among cellmates allows prisoners who do not have money to continue their lives without suffering. For example, a prisoner may share snacks from the canteen with another prisoner who does not have money.
5. Prison Jobs
In some prisons, various job opportunities are offered to prisoners. In return for these jobs, prisoners may earn a small wage. Inmates who do not have money can apply for these jobs to earn income and meet their needs.
Example: A prisoner who earns income by working in the kitchen, cleaning or repair jobs in the prison can shop for the canteen with the money he earns.
6. Aid Organizations Outside the Prison
Some non-governmental organizations can provide material and moral support to prisoners in prison. These organizations can support prisoners who are particularly experiencing financial difficulties through various aid packages or funds.
Example: A non-governmental organization that provides clothing or books to the prison can meet the needs of prisoners who do not have money.
7. Difficulties in Prison
Inmates who do not have money may face some of the difficulties of life in prison more. For example, sometimes financial resources may be required to receive psychological support or benefit from legal counseling services. Inmates who don’t have money may have difficulty accessing these services.
Example: A prisoner needs to use his phone rights to be able to see his lawyer more often. However, phone calls are made for a fee. A person who doesn’t have money can have limited access to these calls.