Culture Project:Life in Prison

By: Alissa SilberSociologyClass: 2

Technology

• Cell locks

• Intercoms

• Walkman

• TV

• Radio

• Prison phone

Symbols

• Inmate number (ex: F24447)

• Tattoos with gang affiliations

• Hand gestures

Language

• Called “Prison Argot”

• Examples:– Fish– Cellie– Homeboy– New Jack

Values

• Toughness

• Food and drink

• Trading

• Privileges

• Visitors

Norms

• They segregate themselves

• Fight

• Scars

• Depression

• The “Prison Code”

Birth

• Can come pregnant

• Deliver in a hospital

• Baby taken to either:– A family member– A facility to give it up

for adoption

Attaining Womanhood/Manhood

• Brain or strength

• Accepted by inmates based on crimes

• Constantly fight each other

Death

• People constantly die

• Either by:– Natural caused– Self inflicted– Other inmates– Death Penalty

Culture Shock

• Living 24/7 by someone else's rules

• Sterile environment

• Prison lifestyle more stable than lifestyle before

How culture effects behavior

• Structured environment meant to change criminals outlooks

• Time to think

• Survival – makes people tough