Abstract: Through numerous theoretical contributions, this study addresses the delicate problem of prison culture; i.e., the subculture that develops among members of the prison community, but outside the institutional prison rules. The subculture aims to make the prisoner a characteristic member of the prison community, guiding him in his behaviour towards other prisoners and pushing him to total submission and obedience to those in power, all of which has repercussions on psychological balance and health. Acculturation to this internal culture involves symbols, gestures and forms of encrypted communication among inmates to prevent prison workers from understanding the contents.