Applying Sociological Concepts
Shyana Burks-Diggins
Community College of Aurora
Applying Sociological Concepts The correctional system is more than some bureaucracy that needs a few policy changes, it is a social institution that requires reform starting from its conceptual roots. When the concept of prison comes to mind, we think of cages, moral failure, or “rock bottom”. The very concept of prison is so negative, that the sensitive language is used to change prison to correctional facility and prisoner to inmate, to help remember that these are still humans that once came from and may enter mainstream society again. However, this linguistic change attempt has had neither an effect on society nor its inmates since the same stigma exists. When such a stigma persists, it becomes embedded within society to influence socialization and future interactions. The first concept of discussion is socialization. Per Conley, socialization is the process by which people internalize non-material culture of a specific society and use it to learn how to function as a member of society (Conley, D., p. 114).
…show more content…
The transition back to mainstream society is not easy because this master status affects finding stable work, decent housing, as well as the pursuit of higher education. Per Fornoff and Miller in their article about life after prison, 60-75 percent of inmates find themselves jobless one year after being released (Fornoff, Miller 2017). On college applications and financial aid, there are questions about whether a person has been convicted of a felony. On housing applications, it clearly states that they can choose to deny felons or that they are subject to paying higher deposits. The prejudice against those that have completed their sentence continues to exist because of this master