States of Siege

Résumé du livre

This is an account of nine prison riots in five states, showing how riots have evolved over the past two decades in relation to America's changing society and penal system. These riots span a wide spectrum -- some are racial brawls, in others leaders promote racial harmony. They can be good-natured looting sprees, or the rationally calculated tactics of gangs, or highly ideological rebellions. Riots can serve as a chance for inmates to steal from or murder each other. They may take guards hostage and torture them -- or treat them kindly -- or take no hostages. The authors explain the occurrence and variations of riots as a reflection of the administrative breakdown of the prison system within a changing ideological context. Part I of the book provides an overview of U.S. prisons and prison riots in the 1970s, Part II looks at the 1980s, and Part 3 presents the author's conclusions. A theoretical appendix introduces readers to the breakdown/deprivation theory of protest.