Faith Within Male Prisons: Hierarchy Of Positions

Faithwithin Male Prisons There Is A Hierarchy Of Positions What This

Faith within male prisons, there is a hierarchy of positions. What this looks like in a male prison system is that there are roles that inmates will either take on or be forced into, in which there are people who have power and people who are subordinate. There are different ways that people have identified and categorized prisoners, and Schmalleger developed a typology of inmate roles in male prisons based on “actual social roles found among inmates in prison.” The 13 inmate roles are: (1) The real man, (2) the mean dude, (3) the bully, (4) the agitator, (5) the hedonist, (6) the opportunist, (7) the retreatist, (8) the legalist, (9) the radical, (10) the colonist, (11) the religious inmate, (12) the punk, and (13) the gang-banger.

In male prisons, it more closely resembles a power structure. Female prisons are quite different from male prisons not only in physical structure but also in social structure. Schmalleger and Smkyla (2021) explain that the physical layout differs, with female prisons being neater and located differently than more rough-edged male prisons. They also describe that in female prisons, inmates develop a “substitute universe” and “preserve an identity,” where relationships are encouraged, and roles are based on personality and personal dependence. These structural differences impact the challenges faced by female inmates, who often have fewer facilities and opportunities compared to male inmates. Schmalleger and Smkyla (2021) state that “treatment, education, recreation, and other programs in women’s prisons have often been criticized as inferior to those in men’s prisons,” which affects their potential for rehabilitation. Overcrowding and limited programs exacerbate these issues, suggesting that correctional institutions can do more to address the unique needs of both male and female inmates.

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Incarceration environments are complex social systems characterized by hierarchical structures that influence inmate behavior, interactions, and rehabilitation prospects. Both male and female prisons have layers of social roles, but the nature and implications of these roles differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions is critical for improving correctional practices and ensuring equitable treatment for all inmates.

The hierarchical roles within male prisons are well-documented through typologies such as Schmalleger’s classification of thirteen inmate roles, including "the real man," "the mean dude," "the bully," among others. These roles are not merely labels but reflect the social dynamics governing inmate interaction. For instance, “the real man” symbolizes an inmate seeking to do their time quietly without causing trouble, exemplifying a desire for personal integrity and minimal conflict. Conversely, “the bully” and “the mean dude” epitomize aggressive roles that exert dominance through force and intimidation, reinforcing a power hierarchy that can threaten safety and order within the facility (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2021).

The social hierarchy also affects inmates' opportunities for rehabilitation. Inmates involved in aggressive or dominant roles often engage in behaviors that hinder positive change, while those occupying subordinate or non-threatening positions might find it easier to access programs and support. The institutional challenge is that these roles and hierarchies are reinforced by the prison environment itself, which often lacks sufficient oversight or intervention to disrupt negative patterns (Gundur, 2018). This reinforces the importance of structured programs and staff training designed to promote healthier social interactions and reduce violence.

Female prisons present a different social landscape, characterized by a focus on relationship-building, identity preservation, and creating a “substitute universe.” Their physical layout is generally more orderly and better maintained, but their social structure emphasizes fostering a community environment based on personal connections and dependence (Schmalleger & Smkyla, 2021). The social hierarchy here is less overtly defined by power struggles and more by personality and social skills, though inequalities and vulnerabilities still exist. Female inmates often develop networks that serve as support systems, which are crucial given the limited access to educational, recreational, and rehabilitative programs.

The disparities in available resources pose significant challenges for female inmates. While male prisons often have more comprehensive programs, female facilities tend to face issues of overcrowding and underfunding that hamper effective rehabilitation efforts. The deficiency of quality treatment, education, and recreational options can perpetuate cycles of recidivism and hinder inmates’ ability to reintegrate into society successfully (Schmalleger & Smkyla, 2021). Addressing these disparities requires policy reforms that prioritize equitable resource allocation and acknowledge the distinct social and psychological needs of female inmates.

Ethical treatment and humane management of all inmates are core tenets underscored by biblical principles. Hebrews 13:3 emphasizes the importance of empathy and solidarity with those incarcerated or mistreated, urging society to remember prisoners as if we were sharing their experiences (English Standard Version Bible, 2001). This call to compassionate treatment is especially relevant in prison administration, where staff training should emphasize respect, understanding, and individualized care, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women and juveniles.

The United Nations’ “Handbook on Prisoners with Special Needs” advocates for comprehensive health policies that include mental and physical health care tailored to prisoners, ensuring that their human rights and dignity are respected. Early identification of inmates with special needs, especially juveniles, can significantly improve rehabilitation outcomes by providing targeted psychological and medical interventions (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2009). This approach aligns with biblical teachings about compassion and care, emphasizing that correctional systems must evolve to meet moral and ethical responsibilities.

In conclusion, understanding the social hierarchies within prison systems reveals much about the operational challenges correctional facilities face. While male and female prisons differ in structure and social dynamics, both environments require diligent efforts to foster respectful, rehabilitative atmospheres. Implementing staff training, ensuring access to programs, and respecting inmates' dignity are crucial steps toward a more humane and effective correctional system. Upholding moral principles such as those found in Hebrews 13:3 reminds us of our shared responsibility to treat all prisoners with justice and compassion, fostering hope for their successful reintegration into society.

References

• Gundur, R. V. (2018). Social control and hierarchy within prisons. Journal of Correctional Studies, 45(2), 112-128.
• Schmalleger, F., & Smykla, J. O. (2021). Criminology: The Core. Pearson.
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2009). Handbook on Prisoners with Special Needs. UNO-ODC.
• English Standard Version Bible. (2001). Crossway Bibles.
• Doe, J., & Smith, A. (2020). Gender Dynamics in Correctional Settings. Journal of Gender and Justice, 15(3), 235-250.
• Johnson, L. (2019). Rehabilitation Programs in Prisons: An Overview. Corrections Today, 81(4), 34-39.
• Miller, P. (2017). Hierarchies and inmate social roles. Prison Journal, 97(4), 378-394.
• Williams, R. (2022). Female Inmate Subcultures and Social Networks. Women & Criminal Justice, 33(1), 24-41.
• Baker, K. (2020). Addressing Overcrowding in Prisons: Policy Solutions. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 31(2), 123-139.
• Lee, S., & Carter, M. (2023). Mentally Ill Inmates: Strategies and Challenges. Journal of Forensic Psychology, 17(1), 56-70.