Comparative Approaches to the Study of Prison Gangs and Prison Order

Abstract This chapter surveys the literature on prison gangs, with a focus on the governance theory of prison gangs. Prison gangs are corporate entities that exist in perpetuity and whose membership is restrictive, mutually exclusive, and permanent. Gangs perform several functions, including participating in and regulating the underground economy, using and threatening violence, offering protection, and providing camaraderie. Prison gangs do not exist in all prisons. In fact, there is substantial variation in prison gang presence and influence across time and place. This chapter briefly surveys a number of existing theories of prison gang activity. It then discusses prison gangs and prison governance in other countries. In the conclusion, it discusses various fruitful ways forward in this research area.