NCJ Number
100330
Journal
American Sociological Review Volume: 50 Issue: 5 Dated: (October 1985) Pages: 677-688
Date Published
1985
Length
12 pages
Annotation
'Breakdown' theorists postulate that collective action results from social disorganization and increased levels of discontent.
Abstract
Data on the 1980 New Mexico prison riot provide support for certain aspects of this model. From 1970 to 1975, the State Penitentiary provided inmates with employment opportunities and recreational programs. These integrating activities were sharply curtailed after 1975. As a consequence, inmates experienced strong feelings of deprivation and inter-inmate violence increased. The 1980 riot reflected the disintegration of the previous five years. No one element was in control of the riot, and the level of brutality surpassed that of any other U.S. prison riot. (Author abstract)