This study focuses on interconnections between processes of identification in regard with localities and prison management. The geographical and ethnic elements are key in my definition of the localities and territories we will come across in this study − poor urban areas especially. Here, identity is conceived
at the crossroad between the subjectivity of actors (their own definition of who they are) and social classification, i.e. administrative categories (Dubar, 2000). One issue is to analyse how spatial identities are defined and negotiated between actors. Studying the prison system, a relational approach to identity is precisely helpful to embrace both prisoners’ and guards’ representations on the field, and the ways they interfere.