List and define the four different types of prison lifestyles researchers describe as adaptations to prison life for male inmates. Do you agree with the terminology? Cite reasons for or against these defined lifestyles

What will be an ideal response?


The mean dude: Some inmates adjust to prison by being violent. The mean dude is frequently written up and spends much time in solitary confinement. This role is most common in male institutions and in maximum security prisons.
The hedonist:Some inmates build their lives around the limited pleasures available within the confines of prison. The smuggling of contraband, homosexuality, gambling, drug running, and other officially condemned activities provide the center of interest for prison hedonists. Hedonists generally have an abbreviated view of the future, living only for the "now."
The opportunist: The opportunist takes advantage of the positive experiences prison has to offer. Schooling, trade training, counseling, and other self-improvement activities are the focal points of the opportunist's life in prison.
The retreatist: Prison life is rigorous and demanding. Badgering by the staff and actual or feared assaults by other inmates may cause some prisoners to attempt psychological retreat from the realities of imprisonment. Such inmates may experience neurotic or psychotic episodes.
The legalist: The legalist is the "jailhouse lawyer." Convicts facing long sentences, with little possibility for early release through the correctional system, are most likely to turn to the courts in their battle against confinement.
The radical: Radical inmates view themselves as political prisoners.
The colonizer:Some inmates think of prison as their home and don't look forward to leaving.
The gang-banger:Gang-bangers are affiliated with prison gangs and depend upon the gang for defense and protection.
The religious: Some prisoners profess a strong religious faith. They may be born-again Christians, committed Muslims, or even Satanists or witches. Religious inmates frequently attend services and may form prayer groups.
The realist: The realist sees confinement as a natural consequence of criminal activity and as an unfortunate cost of doing business. This stoic attitude toward incarceration generally leads the realist to "pull his (or her) own time."

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