Pains of Imprisonment (From Criminal Justice in America: Theory, Practice, and Policy, P 242-251, 1996, Barry W Hancock and Paul M Sharp, eds. -- See NCJ-160206)

• NCJ Number: 160221
• Author(s): G Sykes
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Prentice-Hall, Inc
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This chapter identifies and discusses the various "pains" of imprisonment.

Abstract

One of the pains suffered is the deprivation of liberty, first by involuntary confinement to an institution and second, by confinement within the institution. Such deprivation of liberty means the inmate cannot freely interact with family members and friends nor pursue many of the interests enjoyed on the outside. Another pain endured is the deprivation of goods and services; although the inmate's basic material needs are met, the ownership of possessions and the selection of services available on the outside is no longer an option for the inmate. The inmate also suffers the deprivation of heterosexual relationships. A society composed exclusively of men tends to generate anxieties in its members concerning their masculinity, regardless of whether or not they are coerced, bribed, or seduced into an overt homosexual liaison. Finally, the inmate is deprived of personal security; he is vulnerable to the aggression, exploitation, and intimidation of other inmates. Loss of security arouses acute anxiety and the constant questioning of whether one has the physical and inner resources to avoid victimization. 13 notes, discussion questions, and suggested student applications of the chapter material