Transcript SUPA Sociology Descent Into Madness

Descent Into Madness
Jillian Chen, Megan Greenlee, Amanda DiMicheli, Greg Haehl
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Leadership
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The Causes
Inmates
Guards
Gangs and prison “cliques”
Rising violence
Disorganization
Inconsistency of guards
Snitch labeling
Changing social structure
The Riot
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Started at 1:40 AM on
Feb 2, 1980
Lasted approx. 36 hours,
ended at 1:30 PM Feb 3,
1980
Overpowered guards and
stole keys to open the
rest of the prison
Disorganized
Specifically targeted
Cellblock 4 (Protective
Custody Unit)
Negotiations to end riot
The Effects
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Prison reform at the New Mexico State Prison
The development of the modern correctional
system in New Mexico
A number of lawsuits were filed for deaths and
severe injuries
Longest sentence given to a convict was just
nine years, due to a lack of viable evidence
Discussion
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In the riot at the Penitentiary
of New Mexico, do you think
that the prison guards were
victims, or were they
somewhat responsible for what
happened?
Some sociologists argue that
the prisoners who committed
brutal acts of violence during
the riot had to have learned
such behavior through a
process of socialization. Do you
agree with this? How does
biology come into play in this
situation.