Question

Describe how a culture of violence in high security prisons is perpetuated by the process of informal socialization. What steps could be taken by administrative personnel to address that issue? Could a training program be implemented? Would inmates be included in the process?

Answer 1

Informal socialisation in prison is very much mental stress relief for prisoners. It leads to sudden out break of ideas, as they are under much torture by being alone, not meeting anybody. Hence informal socialisation may lead to exchange of escape ideas from prisons, it may lead to more criminal or hazardous ideas, there can be exchange of information about criminal or violent groups. Those prisoners are more likely to agree with each other's violent action rather than feeling guilty about it.

The trainers should be given yoga or meditation classes in group before the socialisation. Kiran Bedi one of the IPS officers in India, conducted such classes in Indian prisons and saw very good results. Once the mind is settled then only limited duration can be given for socialisation. But training of mind, self motivation if conducted then it can turn a person into a better person. The personnel should make sure that exchange of ideas is good and it is positive. Some rules or norms can also be kept as what to discuss, what is beneficial for a person.