Abstract
This article examines the issue of prison violence in terms of the adequacy of the theories currently used to explain it. The traditional theories of prison riots are subjected to a critical review, using prison riots in the Jackson (Michigan), Kingston (Ontario, Canada), Attica (New York), and New Mexico institutions as a source of data. The prevailing theories are criticized on many grounds and a tentative new theory of prison violence is postulated. It is argued that the current theories of prison riots are inadequate and that the entire issue needs to be reexamined from a theoretical perspective which includes the relationship between prison violence and the entire spectrum of prison life. The article concludes with a discussion of some of the research questions which need to be answered before prison violence (and particularly riots) can be placed in a proper theoretical and substantive framework.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.