At the maximum security prison, all inmates must submit to a body cavity search, in which officers inspect every opening of the inmate's body for contraband. According to symbolic interactionists, this process is required to:
A) Degrade the New Inmates
B) Facilitate Resocialization
C) Control the New Inmate
D) All of the Above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism focuses on the meanings and symbols that dictate interaction and behavior in society. The process of a body cavity search in a maximum security prison can be interpreted through this lens as serving multiple purposes: it degrades new inmates as part of stripping away their previous identity, facilitates resocialization by enforcing the rules and norms of the prison environment, and controls the new inmate by establishing authority and dominance. Thus, all of the provided options are correct interpretations from a symbolic interactionist perspective.

At the Maximum Security Prison, All Inmates Must Submit to a Body