Code of the Prison: Inmate Culture and Post-Prison Outcomes in an Era of Mass Incarceration Open Access
Grosholz, Jessica Marie (2014)
Abstract
This dissertation examines the influence of inmate culture on post-prison outcomes, including housing, employment, and recidivism. Using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 40 formerly incarcerated men, I connect the current recidivism research with the inmate culture literature. Due to several punitive criminal justice policies introduced in the past three decades (e.g., mandatory minimums, truth-in-sentencing, and three-strikes laws), I first examine the nature of the inmate culture today. Results indicate that while the informal rules of the prison (i.e., the inmate code) are similar to the informal rules of the street (i.e., the street code), the deprivations associated with prison intensify the culture - there is a lack of choice when it comes to following the rules. Next, I investigate whether an adoption of the inmate code negatively influences post-prison outcomes. I find that those participants who are still abiding by the inmate code post-prison had a harder time finding employment and housing than those who "shed" the code prior to their release from prison. Additionally, those who adopt the inmate code post-release have reoffended since their last stint in prison. I conclude with the limitations of this research as well as a discussion of the contributions this study makes for current recidivism and criminological research.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Defining the Problem of Mass Incarceration and Recidivism.. 1
Research Questions. 6
Organization of the Dissertation. 6
Causes of Recidivism.. 10
Static Factors Influencing Recidivism.. 11
Dynamic Factors Influencing Recidivism.. 17
Conclusion. 33
Inmate Culture and Prisonization. 35
The Inmate Code. 36
Origins of the Inmate Culture. 38
Prisonization. 42
Inmate Culture, Prisonization, and Its Influence on Recidivism.. 55
Methodology. 60
Research Design. 60
Setting, Recruitment, and Sample. 61
Interview Instrument 67
Analysis. 72
Confidentiality of Data. 74
Limitations. 76
Ethics. 77
Conclusion. 79
Inmate Culture in an Era of Mass Incarceration. 80
Use of Violence. 81
Group Loyalty. 95
Minding One's Own Business. 97
Variations in Inmate Culture and Street Culture. 102
Conclusion. 111
The Inmate Culture and Post-Prison Outcomes. 113
Prisonization among Formerly Incarcerated Participants. 114
Prisonization and Post-Prison Outcomes. 127
Conclusion. 142
Conclusion: Culture Matters. 144
Summary of Findings and Theoretical Implications. 144
Limitations and Future Directions. 149
Conclusion. 151
REFERENCES. 153
TABLES. 169
Table 1: Demographic Characteristics of Formerly Incarcerated Interviewees. 169
Table 2: Adoption of Inmate Code During and After Prison. 172
Table 3: Adoption of Inmate Code and Housing. 173
Table 4: Adoption of Inmate Code and Employment 174
Table 5: Adoption of Inmate Code and Current Reoffending Behavior 175
APPENDICES. 176
Appendix A: Sample Recruitment Materials. 176
Appendix B: Focus Group Interview Guide. 177
Appendix C: Formerly Incarcerated Person Interview Guide. 180
Appendix D: Consent Form.. 188
Appendix E: Script for Oral Consent 190
About this Dissertation
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