Strain, Anger, and Prison Misconduct: Examining the Impact of Unfair Wages, Broken Social Ties, and Dehumanization

Abstract

Using the theoretical framework of General Strain Theory, this study examines how each of Agnew’s categorizations of strain are associated with people in prison’s anger and self-reported charges for misconduct. The strains explored include dehumanization (negative stimuli), loss of social ties (removal of positive stimuli), and unfair pay for labor (unjust outcomes). Surveys of 3,531 men and women incarcerated in five different facilities were examined. Each strain is significantly and positively associated with anger. Anger is significantly and positively associated with misconduct. Dehumanization and loss of social ties are significantly and indirectly associated with misconduct through anger in the theoretically expected direction. In sum, strains may foment anger among people in prison resulting in rule breaking.