Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyze the implications of institutional violence on the subjectivity of adolescents fulfilling social and educational measure services without freedom restraint (MSE), in João Pessoa (PB). A qualitative study was carried out using two discussion groups with adolescents in fulfillment of socio-educational measures. The data analysis was made through the technique of Bardin’s Analysis. Based on the Foucauldian discussions about power and subjectivity, the concepts of lack of subjectivation and resistance were adopted. The results indicated that all adolescents suffered institutional violence, manifested as physical and/or psychological violence, torture, constant power abuse, constant police search, judgment and control of adolescents’ lives. This violence gestated lack of subjectivation, manifested in resignation, self-depreciation and fear, causing the subjective adjustment of the adolescent. However, the adolescents were resistant to this lack of subjectivation, which emerged linked to the guarantee of rights and was represented by an increase in self-esteem, motivation, confidence and the construction of a life project. The institutional violence had implications on subjectivity of adolescents, through punitive practices that go beyond the physical foundation and form part of the subjectivity. Thus, it is necessary to overcome the punitive character of MSE, promoting accountability and guaranteeing rights, while taking into account the resistance produced by adolescents in response to lack of subjectivation.

Socio-Educational Measures; Subjectivity; Institutional Violence