A Lack of Control in a Controlled Environment: Using Social Disorganization to Understand Prison Violence

• In Event: Violence in Jails and Prisons

Abstract

Prisons are, theoretically, the most controlled societal institution, meant to punish as well as incapacitate offenders. Despite this control, the prison environment is one marked by extreme stress and, often times, daily violence. Using a social disorganization approach, this study seeks to examine why there are such high levels of violence behind bars. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 40 formerly incarcerated males highlight the fact that in prison there are high levels of transiency, increasing heterogeneity, and severe deprivations. Additionally, prison officials often turn a blind eye to the violence when a situation arises. In a sense, then, prisons are socially disorganized, uncontrolled environments, which can explain why violence is often a daily occurrence. Future research should explore these qualitative findings quantitatively.

Author

• Jessica Grosholz, Emory University