The Role of Interpersonal Conflict Between Carceral Residents and Correctional Officers

Power plays an important role in correctional facilities. This project will consider the role of power in the conditions that escalate conflict. In Social Conflict: Escalation, Stalemate, and Settlement, Den G. Pruitt and Sung Hee Kim examine the conditions that encourage conflict. In order to understand the power dynamics between residents and correctional officers (COs), I will use the framework surrounding the features of the relationship between the parties as power is a relational component. Particular relationships create the distribution of power. In Interpersonal Conflict, Hocker and Wilmot use the relational theory of power to assert that “excluding situations of unequal physical power and use of violence, power is a property of the social relationship rather than a quality of the individual” (2018, p. 114). Our plan was to collect data by interviewing and collecting field. However, due to complications with the facilities, this plan was not feasible. We then planned to gather data by holding interviews virtually. That wasn’t feasible either. We had to be very flexible and creative in order to overcome the challenges that come with conducting research with a vulnerable population during the pandemic. Our team met and decided to mail residents who have consented to receive mail. We had to submit a new proposal for IRB approval which delayed our entire data collection process. The new proposal was finally approved in late June. In the Fall I will begin data coding and analysis as we receive completed research packets from prison residents. Aside from research results, this experience taught me the importance of flexible, creative problem-solving. I did not realize how unpredictable research can be. In school, I learned about how important planning and structure are when conducting research, but I never learned about the fluctuating nature of research in the real world.

Hello everyone, my name is Sarah Abbas. I am an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor of science in conflict resolution and analysis, with a concentration in law and justice. The research that I will be presenting today is about the role of power in interpersonal conflict between carceral residents and correctional officers. My research is part of a larger ongoing research initiative with Dr. Danielle Rudes and Taylor Hartwell: Changing the Hole Mind: Living & Working in Solitary Confinement During Reform. Taylor is an advanced Ph.D. student, the Co-PI on Changing the Hole Mind, co-directs Dr. Rudes’ Undergraduate and Graduate Research Labs at the Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence, and has worked on the solitary confinement project for four years. This year will be the third year of data collection. In the criminal justice field, research on power dynamics is often focused on how power can be perceived as legitimate in order to maintain order. Some examples of such research include studies conducted on the implication of prison staff using soft power on the legitimacy of the institution. In the field, there is often an emphasis on ensuring compliance, order, and obedience. Power is particularly important in the realm of correctional facilities because it plays a key role in prison society and in the interpersonal conflicts that arise between prisoners. The role of coercive power and predictability in literature implies that prison culture might exhibit a destructive kind of order in which violence is the norm. The Conflict field focuses on how power imbalances can be a source of conflict. A common theme is that conflict is especially likely when ambiguity exists about the nature of power. Also, research in the field shows that a system that has inconsistent status positions can escalate conflict The conflict field also specifically focuses on theory, dynamics, and ideas. While there is the application, it is often limited to broad conflicts. For example, Pruitt and Kim apply their framework to various contexts such as The Vietnam War and the Palestinian and Israeli conflict (2004, p. 23-25). However, there is no further research to support their claims. My research considers broad conflict theories in a specific context. Additionally, there is rarely an intersection between the criminal justice and conflict analysis disciplines. My research will demonstrate how conflict theory can be useful within the criminal justice discipline. My research question is what is the role of power in interpersonal conflict between carceral residents and correctional officers? Also, what conflict resolutions recommendations can be provided based on the dynamics seen in my findings? Ideally, my data will allow me to identify patterns and systems of interpersonal conflict in correctional facility settings. I mainly am taking a look at the role of power. My questions aim at measuring the perceived power of inmates and CO’s and examining the role it plays in interpersonal conflict. My research specifically takes a look at organizational and interpersonal conflict within correctional facilities. When it comes to organizations like various departments of corrections, it is paramount to ensure that conflicts are constructively managed or resolved, because the services provided directly influence the personal lives of many. Initially, our plan was to collect data by observing, interviewing, and collecting field notes in person. However, due to complications with the facilities, this plan was not feasible. We then planned to gather data by holding interviews virtually. That wasn’t feasible either. We had to be very flexible and creative in order to overcome the challenges that come with conducting research with a vulnerable population during the pandemic. Our team met a lot and discussed the best ways to react to this rapidly changing and unpredictable situation. We decided to mail residents who have previously mailed us and consented to receive mail. We had to submit a new proposal for IRB approval which delayed our entire data collection process. The new proposal was finally approved in late June. Our team met, prepared the envelopes, and mailed them out. Now I am awaiting responses to my section of the questionnaire. I will begin data coding and analysis as we receive completed research packets from prison residents. Aside from research results, this experience taught me the importance of flexible, creative problem solving, and working as a team. I did not realize how unpredictable research can be. In school, I learned about how important planning and structure are when conducting research, but I never learned about the fluctuating nature of research in the real world. This experience definitely taught me that. Thank you!