In the inmate culture, the 'prisonization' process molds the institutionalized personality. The prison social structure is a caste system, with rules against fraternization between castes. The prison population is made up of loners, who are in the majority; cliques; and in a few prisons, gangs. A system of inmate economics exists, with cigarettes being the most common medium of exchange. Social status among prisoners involves many factors, including the crime committed and an inmate's physical strength and willingness to use it appropriately. Prison staff are also affected by special influences, including social isolation and an adversarial relationship with inmates. Stress is high and burnout frequent among staff. Staff members' postures toward the prison administration are arrayed along a continuum ranging from strong support to disregard. In addition, conflicts between custodial and treatment personnel frequently result from mutually exclusive goals. Corruption among staff is apparently as widespread in prisons as in other areas of life. In relation to the outside world, political concerns are always a high priority. In recent years, litigation by inmates against prison administrations and personnel have increased significantly. Current prison policy has been politically determined, and political interference has prevented efficient administration of the corrections system. A list of 28 references is provided.