NCJ Number
97386
Journal
Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 7 Dated: (1984) Pages: 87-99
Date Published
1984
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Correctional reforms designed to address prison instability exemplified by severe disruptions have produced a superficial stability based on the placation of inmates rather than on producing fundamental stability through basic changes.
Abstract
Many correctional authorities seem unaware that their focus is on producing temporary order rather than long-range stability. In addition, the common perception that social change and change in correctional philosophy are inevitable overlooks that social change is sporadic, erratic, and unpredictable in its consequences. Similarly, the complexity of the relationship between social change and reform ideology has not been understood. As a result, correctional authorities implicitly view superficial stability in correctional institutions as being fostered by conciliating inmates. Correctional authorities need to change their views on this point. Appeasing inmates is, at best, a temporary solution. Without internal reforms in correctional institutions, inmate hostility will reach unprecedented proportions, producing uncontrollable levels of inmate appeasement on an attempt to regain some semblance of institutional order. Thus, institutional stability remains an elusive goal. Administrators are currently in the center of a confrontation between reform groups seeking social change and those wanting to maintain the current situation. Institutional conflicts will increase, however, unless reforms contribute to stabilization and meet inmate needs. Eleven references are listed.