Evaluation of importation model of institutional aggression

1. Evaluation of importation model of institutional aggression

2. Strengths • Theory acknowledges individual differences - doesn’t view inmates as solely influenced by one set of common values but looks at subcultures within institutions (contrast with deprivation model)

3. Strengths • DeLisi et al (2004) – studied prison records of 831 male inmates in USA and found small, but significant correlation between gang membership and prison aggression, suggesting sub-cultural values were imported into prison by gang members. • A02 of this study?

4. Weaknesses • Theory has little practical application to reduce aggression in institutions – fails to provide suggestions as how to manage aggressive prisoners or suggest policies for reducing prison violence in general

5. Weaknesses • Alternative approaches – fails to acknowledge role of situational factors in determining aggression (e.g. Deprivation model) • Although looks at individual differences/subcultures, fails to acknowledge role of biological mechanisms in aggression (e.g...)

6. Task • Answer the questions on page 22