NCJ Number
15346
Date Published
1974
Length
207 pages
Annotation
RESULTS OF AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE PRISONER SUBCULTURE OF SAN QUENTIN PRISON IN WHICH THE AUTHOR, AS A PARTICIPANT-OBSERVER, EXAMINED FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VIOLENCE AND PROGRAM NONPARTICIPATION OF CHICANOS.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR BEGAN THIS STUDY AT THE REQUEST OF THE PRISON ADMINISTRATORS AT SAN QUENTIN. THE RESEARCH PERIOD EXTENDED FROM JUNE 1966 TO FEBRUARY 1968. THE AUTHOR FIRST DESCRIBES THE PRISON SETTING AND FACILITIES, THE PROCESS OF ENTERING AND ADAPTING TO PRISON LIFE, AND THE PRISON ROUTINE. PRISONERS' VIEWS ON SUCH ASPECTS OF PRISON LIFE AS THE INDETERMINATE SENTENCE, THE PAROLE HEARING, THE PAROLE SYSTEM, AND PAROLE REVOCATIONS ARE EXAMINED. A DISCUSSION OF THE TYPES OF PRISONERS FOUND IN SAN QUENTIN IS THEN PROVIDED; AMONG THE GROUPS DISCUSSED ARE THE CONVICTS (THE NONCOOPERATING PRISONERS), THE INMATES (THE COOPERATING PRISONERS), THE VARIOUS ETHNIC GROUPS, HOMOSEXUALS, AND THE CHICANO SUBCULTURE. THE AUTHOR DESCRIBES HOW THE CHICANO PRISONERS ARE ABLE TO PRESENT A STRONG, UNIFIED FRONT TO THE STAFF AND OTHER PRISONER GROUPS THROUGH THE CREATION OF A 'BABY MAFIA' A SECRET GROUP THAT HAS BEEN RENAMED 'FAMILY'. THE PRISONER ECONOMY, SOCIOPOLITICAL PRISONER LEADERSHIP, AND METHODS OF SOCIAL CONTROL ARE ALSO EXAMINED IN DETAIL. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)