Prison Riots as Hostile Outbursts

• In Event: 2483 - Section on Collective Behavior and Social Movements Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 02. Emotions and Social Movements

Abstract

Although rates of prison riots have declined in the United States, rioting remains a major concern to correctional workers. When they occur, prison riots can cause much property damage, personal injury, loss of life, and large financial costs. For this reason, it is essential for correctional managers to understand the factors that make rioting more likely. Unfortunately, a lack of agreement on what characteristics define a prison riot and data limitations have hindered previous attempts to build and empirically test a unified theory of prison riots. This is unfortunate, as the lack of an evidence-based theory prevents social scientists from providing sound policy recommendations to prevent riots and their associated harms. To develop a theory of prison riots, I first situate the phenomenon in its context as one form of collective behavior. Then, I rely on academic literature and investigative reports to provide support for this conceptualization. Specifically, I show how multiple explanations of prison riots correspond with the hostile outburst model developed by Smelser (2011; 1962). Next, I use data from a census of U.S. state and federal adult correctional facilities to test how elements of this theory explain the prevalence and frequency of prison riots. After describing my findings, I discuss the implications and weaknesses of my study, and highlight the need for investing in the continual collection of data on prison conditions. This investment will increase accountability, generate theoretical advancement, and could improve prison conditions for inmates, correctional workers, and the public.

Author

• Tom Scott, University of Maryland-College Park