An introductory look into the prison system following Foucault’s study into the function and corrective task of the prison, and the characteristics of the disciplinary apparatus. Furthermore, this paper will compare Donald Clemmer’s and Donald Cressey’s view on prison life.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Foucault's Theory of the Prison
- Control and Transformation
- Characteristics of the Disciplinary Apparatus
- Isolation
- Work
- Modulation of the Penalty
- Prison Culture and Prisonization
- Clemmer's Concept of Prisonization
- Cressey's Perspective on Prison Organization
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the prison system through the lens of Michel Foucault's theory of discipline and punishment. It aims to understand the function and corrective task of the prison as a disciplinary apparatus and compares the views of Donald Clemmer and Donald Cressey on prison life and its impact on inmates.- The Function and Corrective Task of Prisons
- The Disciplinary Apparatus of the Prison
- The Concept of Prisonization
- The Influence of Prison Culture on Inmates
- The Impact of Prison Life on Recidivism
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Foucault's Theory of the Prison
This section explores Michel Foucault's analysis of the prison system. Foucault argues that prisons are designed to control and transform individuals into docile bodies and productive members of society. He identifies three key characteristics of the disciplinary apparatus: isolation, work, and modulation of the penalty.Prison Culture and Prisonization
This section examines the concept of prison culture and its impact on inmates. Donald Clemmer's concept of "prisonization" describes the process by which individuals adapt to the norms and values of the prison environment. Donald Cressey focuses on prison organization and its impact on social participation and inmate behavior.Frequently Asked Questions
What is Foucault's perspective on the prison system?
Foucault views prisons as disciplinary apparatuses designed to control and transform individuals into "docile bodies" through isolation, work, and modulation of penalties.
What does Donald Clemmer mean by "prisonization"?
Prisonization is the process by which inmates adapt to and internalize the unique norms, values, and culture of the prison environment.
How does Donald Cressey's view differ from Clemmer's?
While Clemmer focuses on the individual's adaptation, Cressey emphasizes the organizational structure of the prison and its impact on social participation and behavior.
What are the key characteristics of the disciplinary apparatus in prisons?
The paper identifies isolation, mandatory labor, and the specific ways penalties are adjusted (modulation) as core features of prison discipline.
Does prison culture affect recidivism?
Yes, the paper explores how the internalization of prison culture and the disciplinary process influence an inmate's life after release and their likelihood of reoffending.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Cory Contini (Autor:in), 2008, A look at prisons and prison life, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/230621
