Topic 2 - Understanding the experiences of imprisonment

Question 1

Which criminologist first wrote about the ‘pains of imprisonment’?

Answer 1

Sykes

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the key ‘pains of imprisonment’ described by Sykes?

Answer 2

Loss of social status

Question 3

The ‘pains of indeterminacy’ refers to which aspects of imprisonment?

Answer 3

• Not knowing when you will be released from prison
• Having an indeterminate life sentence
• Not being able to make future plans while in prison

Question 4

What do Crewe et al. describe as prisoners’ shift from swimming ‘against the tide’ to swimming ‘with the tide’?

Answer 4

Accepting the reality of their long-term predicament

Question 5

According to Crewe et al., prisoners in the _______ stage of long sentences tend to be overwhelmed by time ahead and focused on day-to-day survival.

Answer 5

Early

Question 6

Self-harm in prisons tends to serve which positive purpose or meet which need for prisoners, according to Chamberlain?

Answer 6

• Communication of distress
• Regaining a sense of control
• Building social bonds and empathy

Question 7

What do Gooch & Treadwell identify as the emerging trend shifting hard drugs to new dominance in the prison drug economy?

Answer 7

Legal highs or psychoactive substances (PS)

Question 8

As per Gooch & Treadwell’s research, which prisoners hold power from controlling drug supply in prison?

Answer 8

“Businessmen” at the top of the internal prison hierarchy

Question 9

What barrier deters reporting experiences of sexual coercion in prison according to Stevens?

Answer 9

An inmate code against informing on others

Question 10

As per Jarman’s research, which variables shape prisoners’ adaptation processes during long sentences?

Answer 10

Nature of offense committed and life stage when sentenced

Question 11

Which explanation from the readings on self-harm frames it as an ‘emotion regulation’ tactic?

Answer 11

Emotion work concept

Question 12

What key role does an embodied perspective provide for understanding the experience of imprisonment?

Answer 12

It connects identity, social norms, and disciplinary power.

Question 13

What concept from Sykes helps explain prisoner drug use as a response to confinement’s deprivations?

Answer 13

Boredom and idleness

Question 14

How does the concept of “tightness” enhance perspectives on the pains of imprisonment?

Answer 14

It incorporates psychological depth and weight.

Question 15

What does Stevens highlight as an obstacle to addressing sexual abuses in UK prisons?

Answer 15

Authorities’ denial of prisoners as sexual beings

Question 16

As per Jarman, what shapes whether prisoners accept or resist rehabilitation requirements?

Answer 16

Feelings of remorse and stigma related to their offence

Question 17

Which factor enables the prison drug trade to become so lucrative according to Gooch & Treadwell?

Answer 17

Much higher value of drugs behind bars than outside

Question 18

What key shift in prison culture is described by Gooch & Treadwell?

Answer 18

From relaxed “lie down” to hyper-competitive “graft”

Question 19

Why does Crewe argue indeterminate sentences create particular frustration for prisoners?

Answer 19

Living in uncertainty reduces feelings of hope

Question 20

What key contribution does feminist theory make to the sociology of punishment per Chamberlain?

Answer 20

Linking identity, discipline, and embodied oppression