Inmates with shorter sentences are more likely to resist what process?

Inmates with shorter sentences are more likely to resist prisonization, which refers to the process of adapting to the prison environment and adopting its culture, norms, and values. Prisonization can include the acceptance of the prison hierarchy, learning the unspoken rules of prison life, and often leads to a significant shift in identity and behavior as individuals become accustomed to the prison system.

Inmates serving shorter sentences often maintain a perspective focused on their imminent release. This focus may lead them to perceive little need to conform to the prison culture or engage deeply with its dynamics, as they are less invested in the long-term consequences of their incarceration. Their time in the institution might view it more as a temporary phase rather than a permanent lifestyle, resulting in resistance to the socialization processes associated with prisonization.

In contrast, inmates with longer sentences may find it necessary to adapt to their environment as they face a prolonged period of incarceration, making them more likely to engage in the prison culture in order to navigate their social environment effectively.