Convicted Murderers in Central Prison Nagpur: Patterns of Stress and Strategies of Adaptation to Life Term Imprisonment

• NCJ Number: 113829
• Journal: Social Defence Volume: 22 Issue: 86 Dated: (October 1986) Pages: 52-61
• Author(s): V V Devasia; L Devasia
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: India
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This study surveyed 220 life-term prisoners convicted of homicide in India's Nagpur Central Prison to assess informal convict codes, prison social structure, prison subculture, and prisonization in relation to coping with life imprisonment.

Abstract

Information was collected through 1-hour interviews with subjects and official prison records. Respondents identified sentencing disparities, the absence of women for the purpose of sexual relations, and overcrowding as sources of stress. Prison administration actions that caused tension included discriminatory application of awards and punishments and inconsistency in parole decisions. Prisoners also worried about family and financial matters. The survey results revealed a complex social structure and an informal convict code which prohibited informing prison staff about other inmates. A significant relationship between high acceptance of the convict code and a low degree of difficulty in adjusting to prison was discovered. Inmate coping strategies included withdrawing from active association with other prisoners, work or activity, and challenging prison authorities. Tables and 30 references.