Final answer:
The phrase indicates that Willingham had difficulty distinguishing between the norms of prison life and those of the outside society, suggessting a challenge in re-adjusting to societal standards after being in a distinct environment such as prison.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the author mentions that Willingham "had trouble separating the mores in prison from those of the outside world", it means that Willingham struggled with distinguishing prison customs from those of society. This statement denotes the difficulty that some individuals face after being released from prison, where they have become so accustomed to the culture and norms within the penal system that they find it challenging to readjust to the standards and behaviors expected in everyday society.
This can be observed in the provided texts, where the characters and narrative delve into how environments such as prison, oppressive societies, or isolated communities can deeply affect one's perception and adaptation to societal norms once they leave those settings. For example, Thoreau viewed his imprisonment as a form of protest against government actions he found immoral, while a child raised in a supremacist commune would likely struggle to adapt to societal norms upon leaving.
Furthermore, the narrative about Mitchell highlights how socio-cultural disconnection can cause individuals to feel out of place and unable to identify with their community. Cases like these suggest that, just like Willingham, individuals can have a hard time integrating back into society due to their experiences in disparate environments, be it prison, oppressive regimes, or isolated groups.