Imprisoned in Jamaica An Exploratory Study of Inmate Experiences and Differential Responses to Prison Life in a Developing Country

Research on inmate experiences and responses to prison life are mostly conducted in developed countries. It has been widely documented that prisons in developing countries are inhumane and substandard and that inmates in these countries are mistreated and neglected. Yet, not much is known about the social world and experiences of inmates in these prison systems. Using a sample of 30 inmates housed in three prisons in Jamaica, this exploratory study examines inmate responses, coping, and adaptation strategies in deprived and culturally distinct prison environments. The findings reveal diverse ways in which inmates respond and interpret their prison experiences. Despite the harsh and substandard conditions of Jamaican prisons, variations in inmate experiences were related to pre-prison experiences, personal convictions, as well as prison-specific factors