Doing (with) Time

Dealing with Indefinite Incarceration in Switzerland

Abstract

This contribution provides insight into the experiences of time of prisoners sentenced to indefi nite incarceration. It is argued here that in contrast to prisoners serving fi nite sentences, for these prisoners it is no longer mainly about doing time in prison but also about (actively) doing with time, since the time in prison becomes (most probably) their remaining lifetime. Moreover, to concentrate on the present instead of their uncertain future helps them to ease the pains of indefi nite imprisonment; however, this mode of being with time requires acceptance of their situation and to let go of their former selves.