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The importance of social dynamics in a prison environment: Learning from the concerns of incarcerated people

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  • Greberman, Emily
  • Andersen, Synøve N.
  • Berryessa, Colleen M.
  • Hyatt, Jordan M.

Abstract

The prison environment requires incarcerated individuals to navigate myriad norms, rules, personal constraints, and informal social dynamics that permeate the carceral experience. While research has gained valuable insights into the lived experience of imprisonment through surveys and interviews, an opportunity arises when incarcerated people are given a chance to voice their concerns firsthand. To better understand the priorities and concerns of incarcerated individuals, this paper employs a qualitative thematic analysis, rooted in grounded theory, of written, optional, open-ended responses to a survey on prison climate amongst incarcerated men in the U.S. (N = 376). When given a chance to reflect on issues that are important to them, participants often focused on negative perceptions of staff stemming from previous communication and interactions. Findings suggest that incarcerated people desire accessibility, support, and humane treatment from staff; when perceived as lacking, the adversarial distance between the two groups may widen. Acknowledging the systemic nature of these dynamics, the study offers avenues to support and encourage prosocial communication in order to improve relationships between staff and those incarcerated.

Suggested Citation

  • Greberman, Emily & Andersen, Synøve N. & Berryessa, Colleen M. & Hyatt, Jordan M., 2025. "The importance of social dynamics in a prison environment: Learning from the concerns of incarcerated people," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcjust:v:101:y:2025:i:c:s0047235225001862
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2025.102537
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    1. Simone Santorso, 2021. "Rehabilitation and dynamic security in the Italian prison: challenges in transforming prison officers’ roles [‘Già Fuori. Note sul Rapporto tra Funzione e Natura Della Pena, Processo e Opinione Pubblica’]," The British Journal of Criminology, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, vol. 61(6), pages 1557-1574.
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