NCJ Number
129900
Journal
Public Interest Volume: 73 Dated: (Fall 1983) Pages: 92-105
Date Published
1983
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Paradoxically, at the same time as the prison reform movement gathered steam and advocated rehabilitation and prisoners' rights, the level of violence in prisons increased; today, the primary perpetrators of violence against prisoners are other prisoners.
Abstract
Although conventional wisdom holds that institutional factors including overcrowding, poor conditions, racism, and unqualified employees lead to prison violence, it may be that the attitudinal and substantive changes ushered in by the prison reforms of the 1960's and 1970's contributed significantly to the rise in violence. At the beginning of the latest period of prison reform, following the end of World War II, prison stability was maintained through inmate loyalty and solidarity. Rehabilitative programs and the new attitude of respect extended to prisoners broke down this inmate code and redefined prison hierarchies. As prison elites disintegrated, inmates began to divide themselves along racial and ethnic lines, creating tensions not previously apparent in the prisons. Changes in power-sharing arrangements and the abandonment of the hands-off doctrine pulled more actors into prison interactions. Outside political activism related to prisons and other, more indirect, political influences have also changed the ways in which inmates view themselves and their position in society. Inmates have learned to use the media to air grievances and to reach the public. Inmates, guards, and administrators are all victimized in some way by violent prisoners. New ways must be found to maintain some of the deals of the prison reform movement while making the prisons safe for all inmates. 10 notes