The traditional theories of prison riots are subjected to a critical review, using prison riots in Jackson (Michigan), Kingston (Ontario, Canada), Attica (New York), and New Mexico institutions as a source of data. The prevailing theories are criticized on many grounds and a tentative new theory of prison violence is postulated. It is argued that the current theories of prison riots are inadequate and that the entire issue needs to be reexamined from a theoretical perspective which includes the relationship between prison violence and the entire spectrum of prison life. The article concludes with a discussion of some of the research questions which need to be answered before prison violence (and particularly riots) can be placed in a proper theoretical and substantive framework. 23 references. (Author abstract)