Prison riots: Insights from the Attica narratives
Abstract
As the prison population in the United States continues to increase, the corrections system must be able to understand and respond to institutional riots. Unfortunately, there is little consensus among current researchers as to why inmates take over the institution in which they are incarcerated. Several theories of prison rioting presently exist, but all of these theories are based on structural or organizational approaches. While these frameworks have much to offer, this area has long needed a model that explores how role perceptions and social interactions contribute to prison rioting. This dissertation uses narrative analysis to examine several firsthand accounts of the famous Attica Prison riot of 1971. By comparing and contrasting narrative accounts of the Attica riot, this study identifies some common themes that were employed by participants of the Attica tragedy. My analysis reveals that the Attica narratives are constructed upon four primary themes: military metaphors, racial friction, the underdog, and attributing responsibility. These themes provide a plot and help to give meaning to each author's story. They also serve as a medium for delivering each author's particular message. While the Attica narrators use the same general themes as scaffolds for their narratives, this dissertation argues that the social and occupational position of each narrator influences the specific ways these themes are shaped. The perceptions stemming from one's occupational and social position are also believed to influence the individual's behavior before and during a riot. This study suggests that prison riots are largely the result of reciprocally corrosive interchanges between residents and employees of a prison facility. Because of this, I encourage researchers to consider how general relations and specific interactions between inmates, guards, and facility administrators might promote rioting. Finally, I conclude by offering a few ways narrative analysis could be used to advance our understanding of prison society and the current corrections system.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Spencer, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Criminology
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