Down the Hole: The Trauma of Solitary Confinement in America's 'Bloodiest Prison' Open Access

Abstract

Albert Woodfox was a man who spent almost 44 years in solitary confinement in America’s ‘Bloodiest Prison,’ the Louisiana State Penitentiary. His identity as a Black man shaped much of his experience. He endured relentless physical and verbal abuse. This paper critically examines how to best conceptualize solitary confinement, utilizing Woodfox’s experience as a means of analysis. I argue that the foundations of historical oppression and violence towards Black people in America results in severe historical trauma for Woodfox. Further, his identity as a Black man results in several instances of racially motivated violence and discrimination that compounds the psychological trauma he endures from facing physical abuse towards himself and others. It is my hope that this thesis sheds light on whether a system that utilizes solitary confinement—an experience of psychological and racial traumas—is truly rehabilitative. 

Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................Pg. 1

Chapter One: Conceptions of Trauma ............................................................Pg. 15

Chapter Two: Interpersonal Trauma ..............................................................Pg. 38

Chapter Three: Structural & Institutional Trauma ..........................................Pg. 59

Chapter Four: Multiple Traumas in Solitary Confinement ................................Pg. 71

Conclusion ...................................................................................................Pg. 78

References ....................................................................................................Pg. 80 

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Interdisciplinary Studies in Society and Culture
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	African American Studies Sociology, Criminology and Penology Psychology, General
Keyword	solitary confinement PTSD race prison trauma
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Chris Eagle, Emory University Kylie Smith, Emory University Mark Risjord, Emory University

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