NCJ Number
50862
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 42 Issue: 2 Dated: (JUNE 1978) Pages: 32-40
Date Published
1978
Length
9 pages
Annotation
HUSTLING ACTIVITIES INSIDE THE STATE PRISON OF SOUTHERN MICHIGAN ARE REVIEWED IN ORDER TO INDICATE HOW PRODUCTION OCCURS AND PRICES AND PROFITS ARE DETERMINED.
Abstract
SOURCES OF INCOME AND GOODS AND SERVICES (LEGITIMATE AND ILLEGITIMATE) FOR INMATES ARE IDENTIFIED. HUSTLING IS DESCRIBED AS HOW INMATES INCREASE THEIR ACCESS TO GOODS AND SERVICES THAT MEET THEIR NEEDS WHILE IN PRISON. THE CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR HUSTLING, THE VARIETIES OF INPUT FOR HUSTLING OPERATIONS, AND THE STRUCTURES FOR VARIOUS HUSTLES ARE THE PRINCIPAL TOPICS OF DISCUSSION. THE HUSTLES DISCUSSED ARE MINIATURE VERSIONS OF LEGAL AND ILLEGAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES TAKING PLACE OUTSIDE THE PRISON (DRUG TRAFFICKING, SALE OF GOODS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO OTHERS, SALE OF DESIRED SKILLS OR LABOR, AND HOMOSEXUAL PROSTITUTION). THE PREFERRED HUSTLES ARE THOSE YIELDING THE MOST PROFIT WITH THE MINIMUM RISK. ALTHOUGH THE DATA AVAILABLE ARE LIMITED, THEY SUGGEST THAT NORMAL ECONOMIC FORCES ARE IN OPERATION IN THE 'INSIDE' ECONOMY. THE FORCES OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND REACT IN THE EXPECTED WAYS, SO THAT STABLE MARKETS DEVELOP WHEN INFORMATION IS GOOD, AND DESTABILIZING FORCES, SUCH AS CHANGES IN SUPPLY OR COMPETING PRICES, CAUSE MARKET PRICES TO CHANGE. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE 'INSIDE' ECONOMY WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE AS LONG AS THE RESIDENTS HAVE THE FINANCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMAND FOR HUSTLING AND ACCESS TO THE RESOURCES AND JOBS WHICH MAKE HUSTLING EXIST. (RCB)