The Effects of Social Contact on Misconduct for Certain Inmate Groups

• In Event: Prison Misconduct

Abstract

Although visitation has been linked to beneficial in-prison and post-release outcomes, the vast majority of prisoners do not receive visits. On the contrary, a far more common occurrence is that inmates receive alternative forms of social contact like telephone calls. Recognizing the salience of social contact mechanisms other than visitation, we examine whether they affect misconduct—especially for certain inmate groups. Implications for theory, policy, and future research are also highlighted.

Authors

• Brandon T. Bakes, Florida State University

• Daniel P. Mears, Florida State University