“It's a Race War:” Race and Leisure Experiences in California State Prison

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to use critical race theory to guide the exploration of leisure experiences of men in prison. Ten men reflected upon the time they spent in various California State Prisons, in specific reference to their perceptions of race and power behind bars. The analysis revealed that every decision in prison is made with survival in mind and race is central to determining survival strategies and who has access to power. The system of Racially Organized Prison Politics (ROPP) influenced each and every decision behind bars, including leisure decisions. The supportive themes of indoctrination, maintenance, and structural support were found to reinforce and regulate ROPP. Further research is needed to learn more about the influence of race on institutional support systems.

KEYWORDS:

• Race
• prison
• leisure
• critical race theory