Puzzle of Prison Order: Why Life Behind Bars Varies Around the World

Prison social order around the world varies greatly due to how they are governed, with some facilities being more caring and attentive to prisoners' needs than others. David Skarbek's The Puzzle of Prison Order develops a theory of why prisons and prison life vary so much, investigating life in a wide array of prisons to understand the hierarchy of life on the inside.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Prisons are often perceived as homogeneous environments, characterized by rows of cells housing violent individuals under the strict control of officials who wield an iron fist. However, the reality of life behind bars is far more diverse and complex. In some facilities, prison officials demonstrate a genuine concern for the well-being and needs of their prisoners. They prioritize rehabilitation, education, and social support, striving to create a conducive environment for personal growth and reintegration into society. On the other hand, in other institutions, officials have remarkably limited influence on the daily lives of prisoners. They may fail to provide essential necessities such as food, clean water, and adequate healthcare, leaving inmates to fend for themselves in often deplorable conditions.

The reasons behind the diverse social orders observed in prisons across the world are deeply rooted in the governance structures and dynamics. In his book "The Puzzle of Prison Order," David Skarbek explores the factors that shape prison life and offers a comprehensive theory to explain the variations in prison systems. According to Skarbek, the most significant factor determining the nature of prison life is the governance model employed. He argues that whether prisons are governed by the state or by the prisoners themselves plays a crucial role in shaping the hierarchical structure and dynamics within the facility.

Skarbek's research spans a wide range of prisons across different countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, Norway, a prisoner of war camp, England and Wales, women's prisons in California, and a gay and transgender housing unit in the Los Angeles County Jail. Through his detailed investigations, he seeks to understand the intricacies of life on the inside and unravel the complex hierarchies that exist within these institutions. Drawing on economics and a vast empirical literature on legal systems, Skarbek develops a framework that not only explains the reasons for the diverse experiences of prisoners but also sheds light on the process of social order evolving and taking root behind bars.

One of the key insights provided by Skarbek's theory is the importance of the prisoner's agency in shaping prison life. He argues that prisoners, despite their limited freedoms and constraints, have the ability to influence their own experiences and the dynamics within the facility. The choices they make, the relationships they form, and the activities they engage in all contribute to the formation of the social order. For example, in some prisons, inmates may form strong bonds and cooperate to improve their living conditions, while in others, rivalries and conflicts may escalate, leading to violence and disorder.

Another important aspect of Skarbek's theory is the role of the state in governing prisons. He notes that the state's policies, regulations, and resources play a significant role in determining the quality of prison life. In countries with well-resourced and well-managed prison systems, inmates are more likely to receive adequate healthcare, education, and rehabilitation programs, which can help them transition back into society successfully. On the other hand, in countries with limited resources and inadequate policies, prisons may become overcrowded, understaffed, and violent, leading to a cycle of recidivism and social exclusion.

Skarbek's book offers a valuable perspective on the complexities of prison life and the factors that contribute to the diverse social orders observed in different institutions. It challenges the conventional notion that prisons are solely places of punishment and confinement and highlights the potential for rehabilitation, growth, and social change within these facilities. By examining the governance models, prisoner agency, and the role of the state, Skarbek provides a framework for policymakers, prison officials, and society as a whole to address the challenges of prison reform and improve the well-being of prisoners.

In conclusion, prisons are not monolithic environments but rather complex systems characterized by diverse social orders. The governance model employed, the prisoner's agency, and the role of the state all play significant roles in shaping prison life and the hierarchies that exist within these institutions. By understanding these factors and implementing effective policies and practices, we can strive to create more humane and rehabilitative prison systems that prioritize the well-being and reintegration of prisoners into society.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190672508