NCJ Number
9375
Date Published
1972
Length
231 pages
Annotation
EXAMINATION OF THE RESPONSES TO THE PRESSURES OF INMATE LIFE BY THREE IDENTIFIABLE INMATE TYPES.
Abstract
THE ENTIRE INMATE POPULATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WOMEN'S REFORMATORY WAS INTERVIEWED FOR THIS STUDY OF A PRISON SOCIAL SYSTEM. FOR THE NEW INMATE, THE INSTITUTION PRESENTS A COMPLEX ARRAY OF OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS. THE AUTHOR DESIGNATES THESE TYPES: THE SQUARE, THE COOL AND THE LIFE. THE SQUARE RETAINS THE VALUES OF CONVENTIONAL SOCIETY, WHILE THE COOL INMATE CONTINUES AS BEST SHE CAN TO ADHERE TO THE STANDARDS OF HER CRIMINAL PEERS ON THE OUTSIDE. INMATES IDENTIFIED AS LIFE TYPES BUILD THEIR OWN INHERENT SOCIAL SYSTEM PRIMARILY BASED ON THE PRISON ENVIRONMENT AND AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE REJECTED OR REJECTING LARGER SOCIETY. EACH TYPE IS EXAMINED IN TURN AS ARE THEIR CHARACTERISTIC REACTIONS TO SUCH PRISON EXPERIENCES AS OFFICIAL GROUP ACTIVITIES AND ILLICIT NETWORKS FOR EXCHANGE OF GOODS AND SERVICES. EXCERPTS FROM INMATE INTERVIEWS PROVIDE FURTHER INSIGHT INTO DOING TIME, MINDING YOUR BUSINESS, AND THE WAYS INMATES PERCEIVE THE STAFF AND ONE ANOTHER. THE INTRICATE ROLE STRUCTURES INVOLVED IN FAMILYING - A PHENOMENON NORMALLY FOUND ONLY IN FEMALE INSTITUTIONS ARE ALSO EXPLORED.