Isabel Juárez Becerra, From the Salvation of the Soul to the Penitentiary Regime: The House of Correction for Women in Guadalajara (1745–1871), Zamora, Michoacán: El Colegio de Michoacán, 2022. ISBN 978-607-544-175-7.

Abstract

The history of institutions such as casas de recogidas in New Spain and Independent Mexico has been scarcely studied and therefore little understood. This historiographical void is probably because historians rarely ask themselves questions such as: What is the meaning of the term «recogidas»? Why a space designed only for women? What social or legal norms had they transgressed to be taken to such places? What were the purposes of punishment for women transgressors? Why was there a differentiated justice system for women? Were sinners or criminals confined to these spaces? Isabel Juárez Becerra's book answers these questions, among many others.