Total collapse of the family unit, the destruction of a religious upbringing, or at least a healthy fear of God, and a capitalist system, more that happy to build prisons to lock up the result of the above, and profit off if it.

Private prison profits and cheap labor

And ridiculously long sentences

America is a country founded in Violent revolution and disobeying the law. The people here are naturally resistant to Authority, and cops can arrest you even if you aren't breaking the law should you tick them off. This leads to many people being arrested. Ignore the conspiracy theorists who say it's about the Money, Prisons COST money. They are a negative expenditure. Especially in Maryland where correctional officers basically get unlimited overtime. (Speaking from personal experience. I was a CO at MTC)

Was therr rape during your time?

Take my own fking cell any day than living amongst crowded sea of hundreds of other men in a warehouse like that.

Most that have lived in a cell or dorm will disagree with you. In a cell, you have some degree of safety and your own space when locked in. In a dorm, anyone can get to you at anytime. Being unable to sleep securely night after night takes a serious toll on a person

Stay out of prison full stop

I take a cell over a dorm anyday if u been to prison u know what I mean