foundation education program prison architect

We also consider, on the one hand, what is known about the potentially criminogenic effects of incarceration and, on the other hand, what is known about prison rehabilitation and reentry in reducing postprison recidivism.Ĭlassic sociological and psychological studies have underscored the degree to which prisons are complex and powerful environments that can have a strong influence on the persons confined within them (Sykes, 1958 Clemmer, 1958 Toch, 1975, 1977). From the available research, we summarize what is known about the experience of prison generally, how it varies for female prisoners and confined youth, its general psychological consequences, and the particular consequences of extreme conditions of overcrowding and isolation, as well as the extent of participation in prison programming. After reviewing these trends and acknowledging the lack of national and standardized data and quality-of-life indicators, we discuss aspects of imprisonment that have been scientifically studied. It is possible, however, to describe some of the most significant trends that occurred during the period of increasing rates of incarceration

They vary widely in how they are structured and how they operate, making broad generalizations about the consequences of imprisonment difficult to formulate. Prisons in the United States are for the most part remote, closed environments that are difficult to access and challenging to study empirically. In our synthesis of these diverse lines of research, we sought to find areas of consensus regarding the consequences of imprisonment for individuals confined under conditions that prevailed during this period of increasing rates of incarceration and reentry. These different disciplines often employ different methodologies and address different questions (and at times come to different conclusions). In examining this topic, we reviewed research and scholarship from criminology, law, penology, program evaluation, psychiatry, psychology, and sociology. Although this chapter considers the direct and immediate consequences of incarceration for prisoners while they are incarcerated, many of the most negative of these consequences can undermine postprison adjustment and linger long after formerly incarcerated persons have been released back into society. Therefore, the number of persons experiencing the consequences of incarceration-whether helpful or harmful-has correspondingly increased. The dramatic rise in incarceration rates in the United States beginning in the mid-1970s has meant that many more people have been sent to prison and, on average, have remained there for longer periods of time.

This chapter summarizes what is known about the nature of prison life and its consequences for prisoners.

Foundation education program prison architect