Differentiating Relationship Loyalty
Incarcerated people have to negotiate different types of loyalties within their lives, whether it is for friendship, romantic partnerships, or kinship ties. This requires them to be aware of various factors such as institutional rules and regulations, social norms, cultural expectations, and personal values. One of the main challenges they face is differentiating between emotional bonds based on love and loyalty that are enforced by external pressures. In this essay, I will explore how incarcerated individuals can recognize these distinctions.
Emotional Bonds Based on Love
Emotional bonds based on love are formed when there is a strong connection between two people due to shared experiences, trust, empathy, and mutual understanding.
Two friends who have known each other since childhood may develop a deep bond because they understand each other's struggles and share similar interests. They may also feel comfortable being themselves around each other without fear of judgement. Romantic relationships are characterized by intense feelings of attraction, intimacy, and desire. When two people find a common ground in terms of beliefs, values, and goals, they can build an unbreakable bond that lasts beyond imprisonment.
Emotional bonds based on love require effort and commitment from both parties to maintain. In prison, where communication with the outside world is limited, it can be difficult to keep up with these relationships. Letters, visits, and phone calls become even more valuable, allowing prisoners to stay connected with their loved ones.
Some inmates find solace in religion or spiritual practices, which provide a sense of comfort and hope during difficult times. These sources of support help them cope with loneliness and isolation while strengthening their emotional connections.
Institutional Pressure Loyalty
Institutional pressure loyalty refers to conforming to rules and regulations set forth by the institution. Prisoners must follow strict guidelines regarding behavior, interaction, and movement within the facility. They often have to abide by dress codes, curfews, and social norms imposed by the administration. Violating these laws can result in punishment, such as solitary confinement or transfer to another facility. Therefore, incarcerated individuals need to demonstrate a certain level of compliance to avoid repercussions.
When a prisoner has a visitor, they may feel obligated to behave according to the institution's protocols, such as not touching or being too close. They must also respect the privacy of other inmates and refrain from public displays of affection. This can create tension between prisoners who value personal autonomy and those that prioritize following orders.
Adherence to these guidelines ensures safety for everyone involved, including visitors, staff, and themselves.
Subcultural Pressure Loyalty
Subcultural pressures refer to expectations within the prison community itself. Inmates may feel pressure to align with specific groups based on race, ethnicity, gang affiliation, sexual orientation, or religion.
Some prisoners may join organized crime groups that require them to engage in illegal activities inside and outside the prison walls. These types of relationships are driven by power dynamics, where members benefit from protection, money, resources, and access to contraband.
Incarcerated individuals may form alliances with fellow prisoners based on shared interests, hobbies, or experiences. These friendships provide emotional support during challenging times and help them navigate the complex prison system. Prisoners often rely on each other for advice, companionship, and assistance in daily tasks like writing letters or obtaining supplies. Although these bonds are not always romantic, they still involve a level of loyalty and commitment to one another.
Differentiating between relational loyalties requires awareness and self-reflection for incarcerated people. While institutional pressure is necessary to maintain order, it can limit their freedom to express love and intimacy. Conversely, subcultural loyalty may be driven by external forces but still provides comfort and security.
Prisoners must weigh their options carefully and decide what kind of relationship they value most: emotionally based on mutual understanding and respect or enforced by institutional or subcultural factors.
How do incarcerated individuals differentiate between relational loyalty based on emotional bonds and loyalty enforced by institutional or subcultural pressures?
The concept of loyalty is not easily defined. It involves the individual's sense of commitment and attachment to other people, groups, and institutions. According to researchers, there are two types of loyalty; relational loyalty based on emotional bonding and loyalty enforced by institutional or subcultural pressures. Incarcerated individuals experience both forms of loyalty as they interact with different groups within their communities.