NCJ Number
93084
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1983) Pages: 91-95
Date Published
1983
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Jewish prisoners adapt to prison life better than non-Jewish white males; however, they do suffer from neglect of their special religious and cultural needs.
Abstract
The subjects for this study were 15 Jewish males incarcerated in Florida. The researchers observed the prisoners, noting both their adaptability to the prison subculture and the effects of the prison environment on their psyches and spiritual beliefs. An extraordinary desire to survive and a strong ego, both traditionally Jewish traits, proved to be critical characteristics for successful adaptation to prison life. The imprisoned Jews feared anti-Semitic attacks in addition to the usual prison violence, but very few such attacks occurred. The Jews related well to blacks who saw them as another minority suffering from prejudice and discrimination. Because of their higher level of education, Jews received the better jobs within the prison, which helped them preserve their self-esteem. As Jews maintained strong family ties throughout their sentences, they had little difficulty in meeting affection needs. In addition, the imprisoned Jews suffered from few psychogenic diseases. They did, however, exhibit a high incidence of drug and alcohol abuse. When they committed infractions of the rules, they were usually acting in defiance of prison administration, defending against ego-threatening events. These rebellious acts, less grievous than many less-noticeable rules violations, could have deleterious effects when parole decisions are made. Jewish prisoners sought each other out because of their common interest in Zionism than in spiritual satisfaction; they showed no interest in maintaining Jewish traditions. Resident chaplains demonstrated little concern for Jewish needs, but outside voluntary Jewish organizations tried to render assistance. A bibliography is provided.