What does the term "deprivation" refer to in the context of prison subculture?

In the context of prison subculture, the term "deprivation" specifically refers to the aspects of life that inmates are deprived of while incarcerated. This includes not only physical needs such as access to food, privacy, and personal freedom, but also social and emotional needs, including relationships with family and friends, a sense of identity, and autonomy. The environment within prisons often strips away many of the privileges and comforts that individuals enjoyed before incarceration, leading to significant psychological and social ramifications.

By highlighting deprivation, this concept allows us to understand how the loss of these fundamental aspects of life can shape inmate behavior, influence social dynamics within the prison, and impact the overall prison culture. It emphasizes the stark contrasts between life inside and outside prison walls, and can help explain some of the challenges inmates face in terms of adjustment both during incarceration and upon reintegration into society.