Prisoner Typology: Personality, Behavior, and the “Toughs” Subculture

Identifying a Prisoner Type

A person’s actions and subsequent designation as a prisoner would rely on several variables if they were to get into a bar fight and wind up in jail. For instance, if the inmate has a history of violence, they can be put in a maximum-security facility. They would act aggressively and confrontationally in this situation, and they might decide to join a prison gang for safety. On the other hand, if they have no prior convictions and the altercation at the bar was an isolated incident, they might be put in a medium-security facility. In this situation, individuals might act more subduedly and concentrate on improving and making up for their mistakes.

The type of prisoner one becomes can also depend on one’s personality features. For instance, a prisoner who has a history of acting impulsively may be more likely to act out while in custody and be labeled as a high-security inmate. On the other hand, someone with a quieter demeanor can be categorized as a lower-security prisoner since they are less prone to get into altercations.

Understanding Behavior Within the Prison Subculture

• Based on my behavior and personality traits, it is likely that I would fit into the subculture of “toughs” within the prison system.
• Toughs are known for being aggressive, confrontational, and often involved in fights and other violent behavior.
• As someone who got into a bar fight, it is likely that I have a confrontational streak and have a tendency to resort to physical violence when provoked or challenged.

Aligning Personality Traits with Established Prisoner Types

This type of behavior would align with the tough subculture in prison. Within the toughs subculture, there are often hierarchies based on physical strength, intimidation, and willingness to use violence. As someone who got into a bar fight, I may try to establish myself within this hierarchy by asserting my dominance physically.

Generally speaking, the prison subculture is a hierarchical structure in which inmates build alliances for survival and safety. It is also proven that interactions with prison officials and the surroundings affect inmates’ quality of life (Barquín et al. 2312). One’s personality, prison conduct, and capacity for environmental adaptation all play a significant role in the sort of prisoner one becomes and one’s behavior inside the subculture. In this scenario, I would belong to the “toughs” group in the prison system.

Work Cited

Barquín, Jesús, Miguel Ángel Cano, and María de los Ángeles Calvo. “Treatment, Reintegration, and Quality of Prison Life: Perception by Inmates.” International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, vol. 63, no. 13, 2019, pp. 2291–2317. Web.