NCJ Number
7265
Date Published
1963
Length
147 pages
Annotation
EXAMINATION OF SOCIOLOGICAL FACTORS IN THE ADAPTATION OF ONE INMATE TO THE STRESS OF LIVING IN A SYSTEM OF TOTAL SOCIAL CONTROL.
Abstract
THE EVOLUTION OF THE PERSONALITY OF ROBERT STROUD, WHO SPENT THE GREATER PART OF HIS LIFE IN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING FORTY-THREE YEARS IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT, IS DISCUSSED. THE CONCEPTS USED IN DISCUSSING HIS DEVELOPMENT WERE TOTAL SOCIAL ORDER, ROLE, REFERENCE GROUPS, ANOMIE, VISIBILITY, COMMUNICATION, AND SOCIALIZATION INTO THE PRISON ENVIRONMENT. STROUD'S STAY IN PRISON IS COMPARED AND CONTRASTED WITH THAT OF ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL WHO SPENT AN EQUALLY LONG TIME IN CONFINEMENT, YET DID NOT ADAPT AS WELL. THESE TWO PRISONERS SERVED THE LONGEST TERMS OF SOLITARY CONFINEMENT IN AMERICAN PRISON HISTORY. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)