Week 8 Blog Prisoner "Power"

In this particular blog our text discusses how the notion that prisoners have any “power” within a prison contradicts the nature of the prison environment. However, some prison sociologists look at prisons as a social system rather than institutions to be governed (Clear, Cole, & Reisig, 2011, p. 345). The notion I have of life inside prison was always based on “inmate balance theory.” This theory to my understanding provides insight on the maintenance of order and prevention of collective violence. In other words for the prison system to operate effectively, officials must tolerate minor infractions, relax some security measures, and allow inmate leaders to keep order. When guards go too far in asserting their power by cracking down on inmate privileges, the delicate balance of shared authority is upset. Which in turn unleashes collective disorder. However, while discussing this specific blog with a friend which is currently a correctional officer at a maximum security prison, she indicated that there is an alternative explanation of prison disorder, which is called “administrative control theory.” This perspective indicates that disorder results from unstable, divided, or otherwise weak management. In my opinion weak management may permit gangs and other illicit groups to flourish. These groups, in turn may help mobilize disturbances. It is noteworthy I mention that my opinion is simply an attempt to distinguish a well-run prison from a substandard prison. Traditionally, there is a set belief on how we believe our prisons should be ran. Most feel a stern environment with very few privileges. However, I believe what is important is governance: the sound and firm management of inmates and staff.   

References:

Clear, T. R., Cole, G. F., & Reisig, M. D. (2011). American Corrections (Ninth ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing.


Banks, C. (2013). Criminal Justices Ethics (3rd ed.) Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publication, Inc.