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The Answer Is Transaction Costs
Prison Gangs and Governance: David Skarbek
Nov 19, 2024
David Skarbek, Professor of Political Economy at Brown University, dives deep into the intriguing world of prison economics. He reveals how prison gangs establish their own governance systems, mimicking structures like pirate crews. The conversation touches on the paradox of voluntary coercion and how non-state entities enforce rules in the chaos of incarceration. Skarbek also discusses the complex social dynamics within prisons, including gang hierarchies and the significance of reputation, which all contribute to maintaining order in these unconventional environments.
01:01:27
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Quick takeaways
- David Skarbek reveals that prison gangs develop sophisticated governance systems to ensure order and manage conflicts in chaotic environments.
- The emergence of extra-legal institutions in prisons illustrates the critical role of transaction costs in facilitating cooperation among inmates.
Deep dives
Introduction to Extra Legal Cooperation
Extra legal cooperation is vital in environments where traditional legal systems fail to provide security and order. David Skarbek discusses how institutions, such as gangs, emerge in prisons to fill the void left by the absence of formal legal structures. In this context, gangs develop their own rules and governing frameworks to manage conflicts and facilitate cooperation among inmates. These extra legal systems illustrate the importance of institutions in regulating behavior and reducing transaction costs in high-stakes environments.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode