Pathology of Imprisonment

Sample Solution

  The experiment, conducted in 1971 by psychologist Philip Zimbardo at Stanford University, was an attempt to explore how people behave within a simulated prison environment. The study involved 24 male participants who were randomly assigned to either the role of guard or prisoner.    

The experiment took place over six days in the basement of Stanford’s psychology building. Each participant was given specific instructions on how they should act as prisoners and guards respectively; for example, each prisoner was expected to wear a uniform and be addressed by their number rather than their name when addressing or being addressed by the guards. Prisoners were also subjected to psychological manipulation tactics such as sleep deprivation and solitary confinement in order to increase their sense of powerlessness. What actually happened during the course of the experiment is that some of the guards began to take on sadistic roles, implementing increasingly harsh punishments and humiliation techniques upon prisoners with little provocation – something that had not been specified prior to beginning the experiment. Meanwhile, prisoners largely complied with orders from their captors without any real resistance despite suffering extreme emotional distress due to lack of sleep, food deprivation and other forms of abuse. In just a few short days, both sides became committed “players” in a game which resulted in severe physical and mental anguish for all involved – even after only 6 days the study had become too difficult for many participants (both guards and prisoners alike) leading it be terminated prematurely In his analysis following conclusion of the landmark study Zimbardo concluded that individuals will often conform themselves into prescribed roles when placed into highly structured situations - regardless if those roles are inherently exploitative or oppressive - showing us why large-scale atrocities like genocide can take place so easily within human society today: because people are willing succumb to authoritarian systems out of fear instead standing up against them thus allowing evil acts go unchecked . This is known as ‘the pathology of imprisonment’ whereby individual autonomy is inhibited through institutional power structures which frequently lead individuals behaving immorally without ever realizing what motivated their behaviour until afterwards; at which point it would already be too late.[1] Sociologically speaking there could have been numerous factors influencing why these particular participants acted so severely towards one another based on our own personal backgrounds such as social class/economic status level education etc…but ultimately what allowed this situation get so out control was simply fact environment encouraged certain behaviours while actively punished others meaning there pressure perform certain way independent free will choice[2]. Thus it appears true no matter backgrounds may people share common tendency bow peer pressure authority figures even if doing goes against own better judgment eventually result harm someone else Overall Zimbardo's experiments showed us group think dynamic powerful influence actions taken individual members institutions societies however does not mean predetermined fate must accept nothing we do changes outlook future far from proving fatalism findings suggest taking purposeful action ensure wrongs righted able find peace prosperity everyone involved.[3]