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Prisons and Prisoners Lectures > Lecture 4: Understanding the ‘hidden’ functions of prisons > Flashcards

Lecture 4: Understanding the ‘hidden’ functions of prisons Flashcards

1
Q

What does Mathiesen conclude about prisons in his 1990 book ‘Prisons on Trial’?

A

They are a complete failure in meeting their stated aims, its ability to prevent future crimes through:
- Deterring
- Incapacitating
- Rehabilitating individuals

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2
Q

What two philosophical theories of punishment does Mathiesen discuss?

A

Utilitarian and retributive

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3
Q

According to Durkheim, what is the primary function of punishment?

A

Affirming collective conscience

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4
Q

What countries does Mathiesen 1990 prisons on trial collate evidence from regarding the defensibly of prison?

A

Scandinavia
Britain
United States

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5
Q

What does utilitarian theory argue about punishment?

A

Argues that punishment is JUSTIFIED on basis of
PREVENTING future offending via
- deterrence,
- incapacitation and
- rehabilitation

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6
Q

What does retributive theory argue about punishment?

A

Punishment is DESERVED by the offender

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7
Q

How does imprisonment help affirm collective conscience according to Durkheim?

A

By symbolizing condemnation of offenders

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8
Q

Which critique questions the usefulness of Durkheim’s theory?

A

Contemporary society lacks shared values

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9
Q

For Durkheim, what provides a function to society?

A

Punishment

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10
Q

For Durkheim, what key term means - based on a shared belief in core or fundamental values

A

The collective conscience

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11
Q

For Durkheim what view does punishment reinforce and what does it repair?

A

Reinforces peoples views that the behaviour is wrong and repairs social harms caused

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12
Q

For Durkheim, people are motivated to see that offenders get their…

A

Just Deserts

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13
Q

For Durkheim , the primary focus of punishment is the ritualized reaffirmation of….. and reinforcement of… (quotation found in garland)

A

….ritualised reaffirmation of COLLECTIVE VALUES and the reinforcement of GROUP SOLIDARITY

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14
Q

For Durkheim, the prison as symbolism of modern punishment represents an example of our …

A

Most severe punishment

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15
Q

Criticisms of Durkheim’s theory on punishment

A
  • Punishment can evoke social diversion instead of solidarity
  • What is functional for one group is dysfunctional for another
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16
Q

What do Chamberlen & Carvalho argue punishment achieves?

A

Appearance of social bonds

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17
Q

What key idea underpins Marxist theories of crime?

A

Inequality shaped by economics

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18
Q

How do Marxists view the concept of ‘crime’?

A

Socially constructed by the powerful

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19
Q

What do Marxists see as a key mechanism of social control?

A
  • Laws
  • Criminalizing marginalized groups
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20
Q

What ‘hidden function’ of imprisonment is suggested by Marxists?

A

Managing surplus workers

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21
Q

What evidence is highlighted for the ‘hidden function’ of managing marginal groups?

A

Prisoners’ socioeconomic status

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22
Q

What is the ‘prison-industrial complex’ according to Marxists?

A

Interconnections between criminal justice, politics and economics around incarceration

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23
Q

What kind of work do most prisoners undertake inside prisons?

A

Prison maintenance and operation

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24
Q

What is a key critique of the wages paid to prisoners for work?

A

They do not reflect the actual work

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25
What is a positive example of prison work programs mentioned?
Training academics for future jobs
26
According to Mathiesen, why do prisons continue to exist if they fail in their goals?
They symbolise moral condemnation
27
What key idea from Durkheim helps explain continued use of prisons?
Meeting public demand for punishment
28
What financial factors help explain prison growth according to Marxists?
Saving money previously spent on welfare
29
What question is raised about whether prisons meet their goals?
Does the public believe prisons achieve their intended aims
30
What related question highlights issues of legitimacy?
Do prisoners accept the system's authority as fair?
31
Utilitarian theory sees punishment as justified when:
It helps prevent future crimes
32
Which theory focuses most on the symbolic value of punishment?
Durkheimian
33
Imprisonment helps affirm collective conscience through:
Symbolizing the condemnation of offenders' actions
34
Which theorist questions the cohesiveness of shared societal values today?
Marxist
35
The Marxist view of crime sees it as:
A means to advance class interests
36
Which theory highlights economic inequality as shaping responses to crime?
Marxist
37
Marxists see the criminalisation of marginalized groups as:
A key mechanism of social control
38
The concept of the 'prison-industrial complex' points to:
Interconnections between criminal justice, politics and economics around incarceration
39
An example of prison labor highlighted as potential good practice is:
Training academies run by external employers
40
Continued use of prisons despite criticisms can be explained by:
Public demand for harsh punishment
41
Marxists explain growing prison populations partially through:
Greater connections between criminal justice, politics and economics
42
Questions about prison legitimacy focus on whether:
Prisoners accept prison authorities as rightfully dictating rules and behavior while incarcerated
43
Which theory justifies punishment on proportionate retribution grounds?
Retributive
44
Imprisonment symbolizing condemnation of offenders relates most clearly to which theorist's view of punishment?
Durkheim
45
Which critique questions the usefulness of symbolic punishment views to explain responses to volume crime?
Marxist
46
The concept of the 'prison industrial complex' suggests connections between:
Politics, economics and criminal justice around incarceration
47
Continued use of incarceration is explained by:
Public demands for harsher punishments
48
Prison population growth is linked by Marxists to:
Savings enabling tax cuts to satisfy electorates
49
Questions about the legitimacy of imprisonment relate to:
Prisoners accepting the system's rules and authority while inside
50
Which theory is rooted in the idea of shared societal values?
Durkheimian
51
Imprisonment symbolizes condemnation of which group?
Offenders
52
The Marxist view of crime sees it as:
A mean to advance elite interests
53
Continuance of incarceration is linked to:
Demands for punishment
54
Durkheim sees punishment as preserving:
Collective conscience
55
The Marxist view sees criminalization of marginalized groups as:
A mechanism of social control
56
Foucault's critique of incarceration focused on:
Its disciplinary power dynamics
57
Mathiesen's conclusions questioned whether prisons:
Achieve their stated aims around deterrence and reform
58
The concept of 'procedural justice' relates to:
Fairness of decision-making processes
59
Marxists explain prison labor's exploitation through:
Poverty wages for maintenance tasks
60
Durkheim sees punishment rituals affirming:
Collective conscience
61
What do wing workers do?
- Work exclusively on the wings - Boys in green - Clean cells - Serve food
62
The Clink Cardiff offered?
Through the gate provision
63
What do ROTL stand for?
Release On Temporary Licence
64
What is a Stage 1 job?
- Training often inside prison - £3.30 a day
65
What is a Stage 2 job?
- 'Proper' employment in the community - Paid minimum wage
66
What schedule do prisoners follow?
Regimented
67
Where do orderlies work?
In the gym, reception and chapel etc

Prisons and Prisoners Lectures (18 decks)

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