States of Siege: U.S. Prison Riots, 1971-1986

by Bert Useem, Peter Kimball

Overview

This book examines case studies of recent prison riots in five states, including the 1971 radical uprising in Attica, New York, and the infamous 1981 bloodbath at the New Mexico Penitentiary. The most extensive and detailed work yet written on US prison riots, 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. A theoretical appendix helps make this work an ideal introduction to sociological theories of collective action.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195057119
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	05/04/1989
Pages:	292
Product dimensions:	9.26(w) x 6.42(h) x 1.01(d)

About the Author

University of Louisville

College of Health Care Executives

Table of Contents

1.	Introduction	3
Part I.	Prisons and Prison Riots in the 1970s
2.	The Historical Context: 1950-1975	9
3.	D Yard Nation--Attica (1971)	19
4.	A Gang in Rebellion--Joliet (1975)	59
Part II.	Prisons and Prison Riots in the 1980s
5.	The Historical Context: 1976-1986	81
6.	Deadly Conflict--Penitentiary of New Mexico (1980)	85
7.	Guards and Inmates in Conflict--Michigan Prisons (1981)	114
8.	Routine Riot--West Virginia Penitentiary (1986)	161
Part III.	Conclusions
9.	The Nature and Course of Prison Riots	201
10.	Causes and Effects of Prison Riots	218
Appendix A.	The Context of Breakdown/Deprivation Theory of Protest	232
Appendix B.	Immediate Demands (Attica)	236
Appendix C.	Practical Proposals (Attica)	238
Appendix D.	Proposals Collected Friday Night (Attica)	239
Appendix E.	The James Letter (Attica)	241
Appendix F.	The 28 Points (Attica)	242
Appendix G.	Sunday Afternoon Ultimatum (Attica)	245
Appendix H.	Monday Morning Ultimatum (Attica)	246
Appendix I.	Public Appeal by Observers (Attica)	247
Appendix J.	Inmate Grievances [Abridged] (West Virginia Penitentiary)	248
	Notes	250
	Index	273

Editorial Reviews

"A valuable addition to the available literature on the culture of prisons and the issues and problems associated with these institutions."—Choice

"The book offers a thorough review of available data on a set of recent prison riots and also builds on a great deal of original data gathered from interviews at several of the prisons. I found it all quite engrossing."—Richard E. Ratcliff, Syracuse University

"States of Siege represents a major advance in thinking about prison riots. The penetrating analysis of collective violence behind bars reveals how riots result from a breakdown in administrative controls and operations. Based on a careful comparative study of disturbances in several systems, this book is must reading for prison administrators, criminal justice scholars, and anyone else who desires a fresh, realistic perspective on prison violence and how to prevent it."—John J. DiIulio, Jr., Princeton University

"A landmark study of collective action. Beautifully written and judicious—ultimately one is convinced by the sheer authenticity of voice."—Mayer N. Zald, University of Michigan

"States of Siege is persuasive and a well-executed study. The link between prison riots and forms of collective action has been greatly advanced. Anyone interested in a sociological analysis of prisons, correctional administration, and especially collective action would profit from reading this work."—American Journal of Sociology

From the Publisher