Imprisonment is a complex institution that not only affects the lives of inmates but also has a profound impact on their social behavior and interactions.
The Impact of Imprisonment on Social Behavior: Lessons from “Behind the Wall” and “Life Inside Out”
Introduction
Imprisonment is a complex institution that not only affects the lives of inmates but also has a profound impact on their social behavior and interactions. In this essay, we will explore the ways in which imprisonment shapes individuals’ behavior, focusing on two online videos: “Behind the Wall” and “Life Inside Out.” We will analyze how the prison environment fosters selfishness, suspicion, and the need for self-preservation among inmates, as well as the unwritten code of solidarity and loyalty among correctional officers. By examining these videos through the lens of the course material from Module Seven, we will gain a deeper understanding of the social dynamics within the prison system.
The Inmate Society: Selfishness and Suspicion
In the video “Behind the Wall,” we are given a glimpse into the lives of inmates and the profound impact that imprisonment has on their social behavior. One of the former inmates, Helen, reflects on her transformation while incarcerated. She confesses that prison teaches individuals to be selfish and suspicious of others. This change is evident when a neighbor asks Helen for some milk, and instead of responding with kindness, Helen questions the neighbor’s motives: “What’s in it for me? What’s her angle? Is she trying to con me?”
This excerpt from the video aligns with the course material in Module Seven, specifically the section on “The Inmate Society.” In prison, individuals must constantly be on guard against potential scams and manipulations. The high-stakes environment, where people are continually trying to con one another, creates a dangerous atmosphere. To survive, inmates must adopt a self-centered mindset and be wary of the intentions of those around them. This mindset, influenced by the harsh realities of prison life, leads to a breakdown of trust and genuine human connection.
The Code of Solidarity: The Role of Correctional Officers
While imprisonment affects the behavior of inmates, it also shapes the social dynamics among correctional officers. In the video “Life Inside Out,” we witness the existence of an unwritten code of solidarity and loyalty among these officers. The film highlights how there is a social incentive for officers to protect and show solidarity with their colleagues. This code often entails conspiring to lie, destroy evidence, and falsify records. Officers who breach this code become victims themselves, labeled as “rats” and subjected to ostracization, harassment, and threats.
This phenomenon resonates with the course material in Module Seven, specifically the section on “Correctional Officers and ‘The Code’.” The code of solidarity among correctional officers can be seen as a survival mechanism within the prison environment. By conspiring with one another, officers ensure their own safety and protect themselves from potential harm. This code also operates as a means of maintaining order and control within the prison system, even if it means engaging in unethical behavior. The unwritten rules of loyalty and silence create a toxic environment that perpetuates corruption and undermines the principles of justice.
Conclusion
The videos “Behind the Wall” and “Life Inside Out” provide valuable insights into the impact of imprisonment on social behavior. They demonstrate how the prison environment fosters selfishness and suspicion among inmates, as well as the existence of an unwritten code of solidarity and loyalty among correctional officers. By analyzing these videos alongside the course material from Module Seven, we have gained a deeper understanding of the complex social dynamics within the prison system.
It is essential to recognize the detrimental effects of imprisonment on individuals’ social behavior. The prison system should focus not only on punishment but also on rehabilitation and creating an environment that promotes positive social interactions. By addressing the underlying causes of selfishness, suspicion, and corruption, we can work towards a more humane and effective approach to incarceration. Ultimately, it is in society’s best interest to foster rehabilitation and reintegration, as it will contribute to safer communities and reduce the cycle of recidivism.
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