Prisoner Subculture and Its Ingredients - Essay Example

The only way inmates can deal with these problems is by resorting to the facilities provided to them by the informal prisoner subculture as their only hope to have a semblance of ‘normal’ life.

              The inmates take on lifestyles and roles similar to those they had in the ‘free-world’ and form associations as they would have on the outside. New inmates must adhere to the customs if they wish to fit in be respected by their counterparts and ensure personal security for themselves. In such a criminal environment, social hierarchy is determined by the extent of criminal conduct. A hardened criminal who displays a complete disregard for the law through demeanor and actions is considered ‘a stand-up guy. Fanatical allegiance to the code is looked upon with respect and fear.

              Groups formed on grounds of race, culture, religion, beliefs and criminal specializations take shape and this polarization leads to a power struggle, a sort                                                                                                     of indigenous politics. Courts have passed several judgments granting the prisoners’ rights such as the freedom to practice and preach religion, a practice which has been misused widely by groups and leaders for gaining prominence. There are several roles that the prisoners take on. Drug suppliers, strong arms, brains, pimps, jailhouse prostitutes, etc., are some of the roles in prison society. A ‘fish’ or a new inmate is expected to refrain from interfering in dealings. A weak inmate is often abused sexually or physically by a strong inmate. Most inmates are active participants in the system and form a link in the chain of internal politics in one way or another. Some inmates might resort to keeping to themselves while taking care not to offend others by showing them down or challenging their authority. Not borrowing or lending, abstaining from gambling, not accepting favors, etc., is a safe way of serving a sentence.

                   Privileges like visitation rights, telephone, and mail haves made it easy for inmates to smuggle contraband, and the trade in these, most of which are goods easily available outside but are considered luxuries within the walls of a jail, has given birth to a sophisticated economy. ‘Currency’ such as cigarettes and other legal rations are traded for obtaining drugs or pornographic material and even sharp objects that may be used as weapons or tools. Even services rendered can be currency and inmates may perform a favor as means of remuneration for goods or vice-versa. These services may often be about exacting vengeance or carrying out a ploy. Sexual favors are a real facet of this

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economic system. Some of these informal organizations and economic patterns are carried outside by the prisoners on release or parole.

               The granting of privileges to the inmates, like television sets, radios, civilian clothes, enables their behavior and interaction patterns to be on lines similar to their pre-prison lives since these amenities bring them closer to the outside world. Such methods are often used as rewards for good conduct and for deterring criminal activities. However, the deteriorating prison conditions, long sentences, and lack of abundant accommodation have intensified the prison subculture and have deeper roots today than at any point in the past.