Sociology Total Institutions Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is a total institution and how is prison one?

A total institution is an isolated, closed social system designed to control people, as described by Erving Goffman. Prisons are considered total institutions because they control every aspect of inmates' lives.

What are three causes of violence in prisons?

Possible answers include overcrowding, gang conflicts, and control over drugs.

What are the three models used to explain inmate sub-cultures? Give a description of each.

Deprivation Model: Inmates adapt to the deprivation of rights and needs, leading to prisonization. 2. Importation Model: Inmates bring experiences and social backgrounds from outside into the prison. 3. Situational Model: Emphasizes the influence of specific circumstances on inmate behavior.

Do inmates have some First Amendment rights?

True Signup and view all the answers

List and discuss two important elements that impact re-entry from prison into the community.

<ol> <li>Criminal Record: Difficulties in obtaining jobs and housing due to stigma. 2. Educational Opportunities: Barriers to accessing vocational training, leading to long-term consequences.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Brandon Rhode?

He attempted suicide while on death row and was taken to the hospital for recovery. A week later, he was executed by the state of Ohio. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Troy's 'letter' (hand print) to Kiersten?

It symbolized their connection and showed that he is human, as they had a special ritual of touching hands on Plexiglas. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Virginia?

She passed away, and many attended her funeral dressed in all white. Signup and view all the answers

List two specific things that De'Juan did that reflected his more adult role in Troy Davis's story.

De'Juan read Troy's letter to his mother at her funeral, showing composure, and led students and supporters to the prison. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Troy Davis and Martina?

Troy was executed, and Martina passed away from breast cancer months later. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Total Institutions

Concept introduced by Erving Goffman, influential 20th-century American sociologist.
Defined as isolated, closed social systems meant to control individuals.
Examples include prisons, mental institutions, military schools, monasteries, and concentration camps.

Causes of Violence in Prisons

Numerous factors contribute to violence in prison settings; specifics need to be identified for a comprehensive understanding.

Inmate Sub-Cultures Models

Deprivation Model: Suggests prisonization occurs as inmates adapt to the lack of basic rights and needs; the prison environment influences inmate behavior.
Importation Model: Proposes that inmates bring their experiences and social backgrounds from outside into prison; acknowledges the existence of varied subgroups with distinct beliefs.
Situational Model: Focuses on the dynamics of specific places, times, and individual behaviors to explain inmate actions, considering the context of offenses.

First Amendment Rights for Inmates

Courts have ruled that inmates cannot face punishment based solely on their religious beliefs.
Inmates retain some constitutional rights, although certain rights may be restricted for security reasons.

Challenges of Re-Entry from Prison

Criminal records significantly hinder opportunities for employment, housing, and access to education or vocational training.
Recent "get tough on crime" approaches exacerbate stigma and restrictions associated with criminal records, leading to lasting collateral damage even after convictions are vacated.

Case of Brandon Rhode

Attempted suicide on death row by slitting his arms with a razor blade; he survived this incident.
Subsequently executed by the state of Ohio one week later.

Significance of Troy’s Hand Print to Kiersten

Troy sent a handprint to his three-year-old daughter, symbolizing their strong bond.
The gesture reflects their unique ritual of connecting through touch via Plexiglas, emphasizing his humanity despite incarceration.

Virginia's Funeral

Virginia passed away, with her funeral attended by many who wore all white to honor her memory.

De'Juan's Transition to Adulthood

Demonstrated maturity by reading Troy's letter to Virginia at her funeral, maintaining composure.
Took on a leadership role, guiding students and supporters from the church to the prison, showcasing his growth from boyhood to young manhood.

Outcomes for Troy Davis and Martina

Troy Davis was executed, and shortly afterward, Martina succumbed to breast cancer, highlighting the tragic events surrounding their lives.

Description

Explore the concept of total institutions as defined by Erving Goffman. This quiz focuses on how prisons fit into this sociological framework, alongside other institutions such as mental hospitals and military schools. Test your understanding of these closed social systems and their characteristics.