DB Replies WK4

Kasey

One thing I found super interesting in this week’s reading was the similarities in the social structures of male and female prisons. With both, there is a hierarchy of positions. Traditionally, crime and time are what get an inmate a specific level of status. These structures play a huge role in the challenges that inmates face because it can influence them to do things in order to achieve a specific status. Our book elaborates on this idea as it says, “Inmate societies, like other societies, have a hierarchy of positions. Inmates assume or are forced into special social roles, and some inmates – by virtue of the roles they assume – have more status or power than others” (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2021, p.286). When it comes to the social structures of male prisons, there are a wide number of roles. Some of the most common include the real man, the mean dude, and the bully. The “real man” is someone who does not want to cause any trouble or disorder. They are simply in there to do their time and get out, which I think is the most ideal role to play. The next role is known as the “mean dude.” This is a person who quickly relies on their physical strength to exert their power. They control those around them through force. Next is the “bully.” While the bully can sometimes result to physical force, they rely on intimidating others in public to scare them into compliance. Personally, I do not think that correctional institutions are doing an adequate job responding to these challenges. However, inmate hierarchy and the overall social structure of a prison is not something correctional institutions can directly control. R. V. Gundur stated in his article that, “…though certain characteristics of social control within prison seemed to evolve over time and not necessarily in the same way in each context” (Gunder, 2018). In short, the social structure that is built amongst the prisoners is not something the institution can effectively manage. 

One of the main issues faced in correctional facilities today is the mistreatment of women and juveniles. While there are many different solutions, one of the most common is specific training for corrections officers. When it comes to dealing with women inmates, I believe more of an effort needs to be made to make sure they are receiving the proper treatment. The book mentions a training program that “… addresses unique aspects of managing female inmates and provides correctional staff training in the behaviors, actions, needs, and backgrounds presented by female offenders” (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2021, p.299). Everyone, no matter if they are a juvenile, women, or man, should be treated with care and respect. Hebrews touches on this area a bit as it says, “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (Hebrews 13:3). This verse does not mention male inmates, female prisoners, or juveniles. It talks about prisoners as a whole, which is why I believe it is crucial to treat everyone fairly and to give them the treatment they deserve.