Dispositional Explanation Flashcards
What are the two competing theories explaining aggression in prisons?
The two competing theories are the situational explanation, which attributes aggression to the social environment within the prison, and the dispositional explanation, which posits that individual traits and characteristics are the main factors in aggression.
What is the Importation Model proposed by Irwin and Cressey (1962)?
The Importation Model suggests that individuals bring their characteristics and traits into the prison environment. If an individual comes from a subculture where violence is the norm, they are likely to continue being violent in the prison. This model helps explain higher aggression levels in individuals with specific personal characteristics like gender, race, and social class.
According to Irwin and Cressey (1962), what influences an individual’s behavior in prison?
Irwin and Cressey argue that individuals, especially those from a subculture with a norm of violence, continue to demonstrate violent behavior both inside and outside of prison. The importation model asserts that personal characteristics drive aggression, not situational pressures within the prison.
What does the dispositional explanation propose about individuals with certain personal characteristics?
The dispositional explanation suggests that individuals with specific personal characteristics, such as gender, race, and social class, would be more aggressive in any setting, including prison, work, or education. It emphasizes the influence of individual traits on aggressive behavior.
Why do younger inmates often display violent behavior according to the Importation Model?
Younger inmates may find it harder to adjust to prison life, leading to increased conflicts and a greater likelihood of viewing aggression as an appropriate way to deal with conflict. The Importation Model argues that the disposition of individuals, not situational pressures, causes aggression in prison.
