The Dual Model of Legitimacy in the Prison Environment

Abstract

The quality of relations between and among different prison actors presents the foundation of legitimacy in prison. Due to the specific characteristics of the prison environment, such as hostility, mistrust, rapid changes in the population that affect social climate, simultaneous research of both natures of legitimacy (prisoners’ perception of the legitimacy of the prison staff and self-legitimacy of the prison staff) is needed. The dual model of legitimacy in the prison environment is based on: (1) the interpersonal relations between prison workers and prisoners, and its influence on self-legitimacy of the prison staff and prisoners’ perception of legitimacy of the prison staff; (2) an integration of both groups of prison actors; (3) ongoing research and monitoring of legitimacy and self-legitimacy, as the prison population changes rapidly, which reflects on social dynamic within an individual prison; and (4) the inclusion of a large number of factors that influence both types of legitimacy.