ABSTRACT
One of the more distinctive structural features of correctional systems is the extent to which they exhibit in exaggerated form nonconsensual solidarity. The social position of the person observing is more critically important than in studies in criminal correctional systems. Correctional staff members are likely to be concerned with maintaining a posture of authority in the presence of inmates, and will distrust a sociologist who appears unaware of the realities of his situation. Interviews in correctional systems must be planned so that rapport is achieved with the respondent without the surrender of objectivity. Since correctional systems are bureaucratic organizations, and are moreover in an important sense political agencies, records in these studies provide the student with some of the more important data. One of the more important functions of sociologists employed in correctional systems is the evaluation of program effectiveness.
