Power Behind Bars: Exploring Social Hierarchies in Men's Prisons with Educational Programs

Abstract

This study examines how educational and rehabilitative programs influence social hierarchies in men’s prisons. Existing research emphasizes masculinity and violence as core to prison power structures, and most studies on educational and rehabilitative programs center on post-release outcomes like recidivism. However, little is known about how these programs affect the internal social dynamics of prison life itself, specifically how they may reinforce or disrupt the informal hierarchies that shape everyday interactions and status. Addressing this gap, survey data from 30 formerly incarcerated men was collected, both program participants (n=14) and non-participants (n=16). Findings show that program participants were less likely to associate masculinity and physical strength with status and more likely to value conflict resolution compared to non-participants. Longer program participation was linked to more positive views on the program’s impact, especially on masculine norms. While no significant differences emerged in perceived personal status or beliefs about violence, participants interacted more frequently with higher-status individuals and strongly supported expanding prison programming compared to non-participants. These results suggest that although educational and rehabilitative programs may not dismantle existing hierarchies, they introduce alternative systems of value that challenge dominant norms and reshape how respect and influence are earned inside prison.