“Against luck in the east*”: The penal system of the Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles territory
Based on research conducted regarding the territorial stigmatization experienced by youth in the Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles in the context of the penal system, this article seeks to illustrate the links between the objective and symbolic characteristics of the territory, and their impact on individuals. Data for this study was collected from interviews conducted with 15 individuals, which included young adults and community workers residing in this borough. The interviews reveal that all social relations in the borough are considerably shaped by a symbolic universe associated with delinquency. In addition, this repressive discourse and set of actions especially targets black youth, regardless of whether or not they are judicialized. Thus, stemming from the processes of stigmatization, we develop an understanding of a penal system that reproduces itself on a daily basis through all social relations, while also modulating the trajectories and opportunities via a rationale of spatial relegation and social closure.