institutional aggression in the context of prisons Flashcards
What is institutional aggression?
Aggressive or violent behaviour occurring within a formal institutional setting, such as a prison.
What does the importation model by Irwin & Cressey propose?
Prisoners import beliefs, values, and behaviours from outside, including criminal subcultures that promote aggression.
What is the dispositional explanation based on?
An inmate’s personality and past experiences—“people who prey on others outside will do so inside.”
What did DeLisi find about inmates with negative backgrounds?
More likely to show aggression, suicidal behaviours, and sexual misconduct—supporting the idea they imported these traits.
What did Camp & Gaes find in their study of 561 inmates?
No significant difference in aggression between high- and low-security prisons—supports dispositional explanation.
What is a limitation of the importation model according to DiLulio?
It ignores prison management. His Administrative Control Model says poorly run prisons breed more violence.
What is the deprivation model by Clemmer?
Aggression is caused by harsh prison conditions—loss of liberty, autonomy, and goods causes frustration and competition.
What factors did Steiner identify as linked to aggression in prisons?
Overcrowding, more female staff, and protective custody—all environmental (prison-level) factors.
What did Cunningham find in his analysis of inmate homicides?
Many murders were triggered by deprivation (e.g., drug disputes, personal boundaries), supporting Clemmer’s model.
What evidence contradicts the deprivation model?
Hensley found no link between conjugal visits and reduced aggression, challenging the idea that deprivation always increases violence.
