The Answer Is Transaction Costs Prison Gangs and Governance: David Skarbek
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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.
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Gang Constitution Analysis
- David Skarbek analyzed the Nuestra Familia gang's constitution for a class.
- This document outlined the gang's purpose, membership, and internal structure.
Markets and Collective Action
- Markets aren't the only institutions with discovery processes; voting and collective action also function this way.
- These processes aggregate dispersed information to achieve shared goals, even without traditional markets.
Coercion and Liberty
- Coercion, like contract enforcement, is a voluntary aspect of liberty.
- Binding agreements and dispute resolution enhance liberty by ensuring cooperation.
