Not a mommy, not a mamma. Mothers, family and activism around the prison

Abstract

The article addresses the ambiguities of being mothers and family members considering the limits and possibilities of agency in activism around prisons. I discuss the role of mothers in a Prisoners' Family Association named Amparar, located in São Paulo, following the paths of Railda Alves, one of its founders. Amparar exists since 2004 and develops its activities in conjunction with other organizations working in the field of Human Rights. The recognition as a prisoner's mother and the statement of both the strength of the maternal bond and the resulting suffering from it are part of the negotiations that involve dialogue and networking with other organizations, activists, and state institutions. The figure of the mother allows participation in certain activities and the construction of activist trajectories, but it also operates as a limiter in contexts that involve negotiations with the State.