Colonialism and modernization in the emergency and evolution of prisons in Latin America until the first half of the 20th century

Abstract

TPrisons in Latin America evolved from simple places of temporary custody in colonial times to become central institutions of the punitive system. Initially, punishment was carried out through public executions, floggings and forced labor. The shift toward imprisonment as the primary form of punishment began in the 18th century, influenced by European reformist ideas and the Industrial Revolution.

During the 19th century, after independence, the first modern penitentiaries were built in the region, seeking to project an image of modernity and expand state control. Positivism significantly influenced the design of prison regimes and punitive therapies in the early 20th century. Positivist criminology had a lasting impact on legislation and judicial practices, coexisting with racial and class prejudices. Political imprisonment was a common practice, intensifying during the dictatorial periods of the 20th century. Although there were attempts at reform and modernization, many Latin American prison systems faced problems of inefficiency and corruption. The aspiration for “modernity” in the penitentiary sphere did not always materialize, reflecting the social and political complexities of the region.