Discuss the elements of the inmate social code. How is one who upholds the code viewed by his fellow inmates?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

National attention was first drawn to the inmate social code and subculture in a book entitled The Prison Community by Donald Clemmer. Identified within were a prison language or argot and the propensity for prisoners to group themselves into cliques on the basis of sexual preference, political beliefs, and offense history. The inmate code attempts to present the rules, sometimes just generally followed or even violated but nevertheless to teach the inmate how to serve the least amount of time in the greatest possible comfort. For example, inmates are warned never to betray other inmates to the authorities and are cautioned to refrain from arguing, fighting, or engaging in other emotional displays with fellow inmates. Prisoners are also warned not to take advantage of one another and although the code encourages inmates to avoid conflict, it also encourages the effective and thorough response to any conflict that does start; otherwise, one inmate may be considered by others to be weak or easily manipulated. Lastly, inmates are cautioned not to make fools of themselves or support administrative interests over their fellow inmates. Someone who follows the social code as his personal behavior guide is known as the "right guy" who is loyal to fellow prisoners, keeps his promises, is dependable and trustworthy, and never interferes with inmates who are conniving against officials. These men are liked by all.