The effects of prisonization may be long term and destructive. Many inmates become hostile to the legal system, learning to use violence as a means of solving problems and to value criminal peers. For some this change may be permanent; for others it is temporary, and they may revert to their "normal" life after release
Explain the "prisonization" process and the development of the inmate social code.
Prisonization is the process by which individuals adapt to the social norms, values, and behaviors of the prison environment. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as the institutionalization of routines and regulations, the formation of social hierarchies among inmates, and the development of a unique inmate subculture.
One of the key components of prisonization is the development of the inmate social code, which encompasses the unwritten rules and norms that govern inmate behavior within the prison walls. This social code often emphasizes loyalty to fellow inmates, distrust of authority figures, and the use of violence as a means of asserting power and maintaining order.
Inmates are socialized into this code through interactions with other inmates, as well as through their experiences within the prison environment. For example, they may be pressured to join gangs or participate in illegal activities in order to gain protection or status within the inmate hierarchy.
Over time, the inmate social code becomes deeply ingrained in the individual, shaping their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors both in prison and after release. This can have long-term consequences, as individuals may struggle to reintegrate into society and may be more likely to engage in criminal behavior once they are released.
Overall, the process of prisonization and the development of the inmate social code can have a profound impact on individuals, shaping their identity and behavior in ways that can be difficult to overcome.