Prison segregation

Date and country of first publication

1997
United States

Definition

Prison segregation refers to the practice of separating inmates within a prison based on various factors such as gender, age, security level, and offense committed. It is done to maintain order, safety, and security within the prison facility.

There are different types of segregation in prisons:

1. Gender segregation: In most prisons, male and female inmates are housed separately to minimize potential issues related to sexual assault, violence, and exploitation.

2. Age segregation: Younger inmates, especially those under the age of 18, are often kept separate from adult prisoners to protect them from potential harm or negative influences.

3. Security level segregation: Inmates are classified based on their risk level and separated according to their security classification. This helps to prevent conflicts between low-risk and high-risk prisoners and ensures that inmates are in an appropriate environment based on the level of threat they pose to others.

4. Administrative segregation: Sometimes referred to as solitary confinement or "the hole," this type of segregation is used to isolate inmates who have violated prison rules, pose a threat to others, or need protection from other inmates. It is typically used as a disciplinary measure or for ensuring the safety of the inmate or others.

While prison segregation has its benefits in terms of maintaining order and security, there are concerns regarding its potential negative effects on the mental health and well-being of inmates. Prolonged periods of isolation can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and even self-harm. Therefore, the use of prison segregation is often subject to scrutiny and debate regarding its appropriateness and potential abuse.

Related segregation forms

Prison segregation is frequently discussed in the literature with the following segregation forms:

social segregation

This visualization is based on the study The Multidisciplinary Landscape of Segregation Research.

For the complete network of interrelated segregation forms, please refer to:

• First year of publication

• Louvain clusters

• Betweenness centrality

• Disciplines in which segregation forms first emerged (Scopus database).

Notes

At its current state, this definition has been generated by a Large Language Model (LLM) so far without review by an independent researcher or a member of the curating team of segregation experts that keep the Segregation Wiki online. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its reliability, completeness and timeliness. Please use this content with caution and verify information as needed. Also, feel free to improve on the definition as you see fit, including the use of references and other informational resources. We value your input in enhancing the quality and accuracy of the definitions of segregation forms collectively offered in the Segregation Wiki ©.

Prison segregation appears in the following literature

Miller H.A., Young G.R. (1997). Prison segregation: Administrative detention remedy or mental health problem?. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, 7(1), 85-94. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbm.146

Martel J. (2006). To be, one has to be somewhere: Spatio temporality in prison segregation. British Journal of Criminology, 46(4), 587-612. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azl012

Fekete L., Webber F. (201). Foreign nationals, enemy penology and the criminal justice system. Race and Class, 51(4), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306396810362868

Brown E. (202). A systematic review of the effects of prison segregation. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 52(), -. Elsevier Ltd.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2020.101389

Vitulli E.W. (202). “A means of assuring the safe and efficient operation of a prison” Segregation, security, and gender nonconformity. GLQ, 26(1), 174-182. Duke University Press.https://doi.org/10.1215/10642684-7929213