Criminal Justice Practice Exam

Which model indicates that inmate society is shaped by external factors like pre-prison experiences?

1. Importation

2. Prisonization

3. Indigenous origins

4. Deprivation

The correct answer is: Importation

The importation model is correct as it suggests that the behaviors, attitudes, and social structures of inmates are significantly influenced by their experiences and life circumstances prior to incarceration. This theory posits that inmates bring into the prison environment their social histories, cultural backgrounds, and the characteristics they developed outside of prison. For example, individuals who have been involved in gangs or substance abuse may replicate these behaviors and social dynamics within the prison system. The implication is that the inmate population is not solely reshaped by the prison environment itself but is instead a reflection of the external societal influences that shaped them before their imprisonment. In contrast, the other models focus on different aspects of inmate behavior. Prisonization, for example, refers to the process through which inmates adapt to and conform to the prison culture, often leading to a transformation of their behaviors and attitudes to fit in. The indigenous origins model emphasizes the unique culture and dynamics that develop within prisons as a response to the deprivations of incarceration. Finally, the deprivation model discusses how the lack of liberty, autonomy, and social relationships impacts behavior within prison, suggesting that the prison environment itself shapes inmate society rather than their external experiences. Thus, the importation model distinctly highlights the role of prior experiences in informing inmates'