NCJ Number
104039
Journal
Social Defense Volume: 20 Issue: 79 Dated: (January 1985) Pages: 19-24
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Prison life represents a changed social environment to an artificial and regimented atmosphere for inmates in India, who are affected not only socially but also psychologically and financially.
Abstract
The social effects occur at two stages of the prisoner's life: the period of confinement and the reentry into society. All inmates experience prisonization. They also experience a reduced social status upon their return to the community. The result is often a lonely and helpless life for the former inmate. The main psychological effects of imprisonment are self-condemnation, guilt, and boredom, resulting in losses of perspective and of self-confidence. After release, prisoners often withdraw from others. They also feel hostile toward society and the criminal justice system and constantly anxious. Imprisonment also multiplies their preexisting financial problems. Neither the government nor the community helps ex-offenders deal with their problems. Inmates often receive vocational training during their confinement, but seldom obtain employment in the same job area following their release. As a result, former inmates are highly vulnerable to future criminal involvement. 9 references.