The U.S. Penal System-

A detailed Summary of The U.S. Penal System-

Prison inmates, are some of the most "maladjusted" people in

society. Most of the inmates have had too little discipline or too

much, come from broken homes, and have no self-esteem. They are very

insecure and are "at war with themselves as well as with society"

(Szumski 20). Most inmates did not learn moral values or learn to

follow everyday norms. Also, when most lawbreakers are labeled

criminals they enter the phase of secondary deviance. They will admit

they are criminals or believe it when they enter the phase of

secondary deviance (Doob 171). Next, some believe that if we want to

rehabilitate criminals we must do more than just send them to prison.

For instance, we could give them a chance to acquire job skills; which

will improve the chances that inmates will become productive citizens

upon release. The programs must aim to change those who want to

change. Those who are taught to produce useful goods and to be

productive are "likely to develop the self-esteem essential to a

normal, integrated personality" (Szumski 21). This kind of program

would provide skills and habits and "replace the sense of

hopelessness" that many inmates have (Szumski 21).

Szumski, Bonnie. America's Prisons Opposing Viewpoints. Greenhaven

involve work release or study release and group sessions for therapy

much as possible (Fox 73). On the other hand, many inmates think the

Also the construction of new prisons brings millions of dollars into

corrective, positive experience that might help to offset the earlier

people with different backgrounds. Also one individuals problem might

and halfway houses for rehabilitation must be brought to the forefront

and are aimed to keep offenders in the community. The name comes from

peer pressure that will influence its members. One idea in many

sociology text is that group problem-solving has definite advantages

more likely to become a criminal if the people who have the greatest

programs to rehabilitate the criminals of America. One can predict

delinquency is differential association (Cressey 1955). This means

Approximate Word count = 997
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.