What is a key feature of the prison system during the mass prison era?

During the mass prison era, the prison system was characterized by collective living arrangements with enforced silence. This era, which spanned from the early to mid-19th century, aimed to manage large numbers of inmates within a single facility, often utilizing a congregate system. Inmate management focused on maintaining order and discipline, which led to the implementation of strict rules including enforced silence, to minimize interactions that could disrupt the supposed reformative aims of imprisonment.

The design of facilities during this period often included large, open dormitory-style cells, where inmates lived in close proximity to one another. Enforced silence was seen as a means to promote reflection, prevent the exchange of negative influences, and create a somber, controlled environment conducive to reform. The belief was that isolation in silence would lead inmates toward penance and self-improvement.

In contrast, the other options reflect practices that were either not characteristic of the mass prison era or were more aligned with modern rehabilitation philosophies. Individualized treatment plans and flexible management approaches are more aligned with contemporary correctional practices aimed at rehabilitation. Open communication between inmates and staff, while important today for supportive environments, was generally not a focus during the mass prison era, which prioritized control and order above all else.