THE INMATE SUBCULTURE IN DUTCH PRISONS

This article is a shortened version of the first Dutch research into the inmate subculture in Dutch prisons. The contents of this subculture are described, as is the initiation process by which new prisoners become members of the prison community. Subcultural variations are traced to certain differences in prison regimes. The conclusion is that, to achieve a general explanation of the phenomena observed, one needs an approach integrating two theoretical models: the deprivation model and the importation model. For practical purposes, however, the deprivation model is of more importance.