The Pros And Cons Of Prisons

Prisons are essential to our society because the facilities reduce crime, modify behavior, and apply social learning.

Steven Levitt, economist at the University of Chicago, estimated percentages for how society is effected as prison population continues to increase. He reported a reduced rate of crime as a result of escalation in arrest rates, conviction rates, and prison sentence lengths. Levitt stated, "for each 10 percent rise in a state's prison population, robberies fall 7 percent, assault and burglary shrink 4 percent each, auto theft and larceny decline 3 percent each, rape falls 2 1/2 percent and murder drops 1 1/2 percent". Also, for every ten inmates locked up it prevents the occurrence of ten to fifteen non-drug felonies (NCPA).

alcoholism): “Many prisons have begun providing psychiatrists to help deal with prisoners’ mental disorders and psychological issues” (Dvoskin, 2014). Based off the Skinnerian approach, the preferred behavioral responses are achieved by reinforcement of a reward while those not preferred are punished. In the forms of therapy provided social learning is exhibited. Kelly Petty, political and multi-cultural reporter, states, “Inmates who participated in prison education programs had a 43 percent lower chance of returning to prison than those who did not” (Petty, 2013). Outside of those programs, there is also work-related experiences offered (Dvoskin, 2014). The prisoners build skills that provide them with the necessary dexterity needed to readjust outside of prison, which decreases likelihood of returning to

In return for taxpayers hard work, food and a place to sleep is provided to inmates in prison. “While prisoners may have jobs within the prison, the taxable contribution is often low” (Mayglothling, 2014). Treatments in other rehabilitative facilities seem appealing, similarly to prison, “there is a price to be paid”, states David Morgan. Although money is always a factor, the real price is fairness, as Morgan also mentions, “Another problem raised in the treatment model is that, for the most part, it cannot determine when the cure has been effected” (Treatment or Retribution?).

Prisoners sometimes lose family connections, making this a con of prisons. Whether family members are not allowed to visit because of their age or refuse to visit due to personal reasons, prisoners may lose the family ties which existed before they were imprisoned. Family ties are essential if a reformed criminal hopes to re-assimilate into the working world. Family members are the most likely members of society to give prisoners a place to live and a second chance (Mayglothling,