I believe children from an urban working class setting would also break down emotionally just like those from middle class did. It is obvious that a person’s behavior and adoption to life is highly influenced by their environment. The urban working class environment and living standards, just like that of middle-class prisoners’, are not as tough as those experienced in prisons. Therefore, they react to prison conditions the same way (McLeod, 2016).
I think kids from the urban working class would have been traumatized by prison’s hardships as they are less likely to have previously gone through experiences such as police harassment or jail time. They lack the ability of dealing and getting over difficulties and this would work against them while they are in the prison (McLeod, 2016).
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If women were used in the experiment instead of boys, I think the outcome would be similar. The only difference would have been a longer lasting bond between themselves. Their tolerance of abuse would probably be similar to that of the middle- class boys. Women have a good mental strength and endurance to hardships, but since they are not used to going through treatments such as those in prison, then I think their endurance span would only last as long as that of the middle-class boys (Schwartz, 2004).
The outcomes of the experiment were useful in that they brought forth pointers for modification of the way prisons in the US run. For example, any minor accused of a federal crime is not housed with adult prisoners. This was noted to pose a risk of violence against the juvenile. The experiment also helped the American Psychological Association to formally recognize ethical guidelines due to the harmful treatment of the participants.
Zimbardo argues that the experiment had a beneficial gain on human behavior understanding (2007). It also helped in developing a set of knowledge of how the society can be improved and helped in the realization that social roles and environmental settings influence our behavior to a great extent. This information is key to appreciating the distress undergone by the participants (McLeod, 2016).
The Stanford prison research is of high importance, particularly for both psychologists and sociologists. The experiment shows that in particular conditions, people espouse varying social characters and act as per the norms of the role assumed. Also, people’s behavior changes as soon as they get authority. As mentioned by Zimbardo (2007), “The young men who played prisoners and guards revealed how much circumstances can distort individual personalities – and how anyone, when given complete control over others, can act like a monster.” The behavior of the guards and prisoners were unpredictable to Zimbardo and also they acted as if it was real life and yet they knew it was an experiment. Authority leads them to become aggressive towards others (Schwartz, 2004).
Currently, the prison systems go against dehumanization and isolation studies just as seen in the experiment (Haney, Banks, & Zimbardo, 1973). Rehabilitation of criminals would be an ideal solution although this would depend on the type of crime committed.
Based on this experiment, I feel that prisoners’ humiliation is not the right way to go. This should be a tactic used only when necessary. I would recommend an environment that is constructive especially for the prisoners. There is a necessity in correctional facilities to train guards on how to treat prisoners. Additionally, it would help a great deal to come up with a system where prisoners are awarded for prisons’ rules compliance. This will give them a motivation to do the right thing without necessarily going the hard way on them.
Another recommendation is the provision of therapy sessions so as to work against any negative thoughts a prisoner might have. This would be an opportunity to help them become better persons and avoid feeding their minds with criminal thoughts. Correctional facilities should also ensure that both guards and prisoners are under surveillance. Abuse of power by the guards should have serious repercussions.
References
Haney, C., Banks, W. C., & Zimbardo, P. G. (1973). A study of prisoners and guards in a simulated prison . Naval Research Review , 30, 4-17.
McLeod, S. A. (2016). Zimbardo - Stanford Prison Experiment . Retrieved from www.simplypsychology.org/zimbardo.html
Schwartz, J. (May 6, 2004). Simulated prison in '71 showed a fine line between "normal" and "monster." New York Times.
Zimbardo, P. G. (2007). The Lucifer Effect: Understanding how good people turn evil. New York: Random House.
