Final answer:
Solitary confinement deprives individuals of social interaction and goes against our natural inclination for social contact. Research with monkeys shows the importance of social comfort for psychological well-being and development. Resocialization in total institutions like prisons highlights the centrality of social interaction in human life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Solitary confinement relates to the notion of humans as social animals in that it deprives individuals of social interaction, which is a fundamental need for humans. Humans are social creatures and have been forming groups for millions of years to survive and thrive. Solitary confinement, where individuals are isolated from society and forced to follow strict rules, goes against our natural inclination for social contact and can have negative psychological effects.
For example, research with rhesus monkeys has shown that social comfort is of greater value than mere sustenance. Monkeys raised in isolation experienced developmental and social challenges later in life. This demonstrates the importance of social contact for psychological well-being and development.
In addition, the concept of resocialization in total institutions like prisons also highlights the centrality of social interaction in human life. Total institutions isolate individuals from society and force them to conform to a new set of rules and norms. This deprivation of social contact can be seen as a form of punishment, as it goes against our nature as social animals.