Year: 1995
Type: article
Abstract: Since the rise of the penitentiary in the nineteenth century, strategies of inmate labour and training have been central to the correctional agenda Although the nature of these strategies has changed in response to 'correctional reforms', they have remained grounded in three conceptually and empirically dubious premises: 1) That unemployment is causally related to criminality; 2) That strategies of inmate labour and training facilitate the transition of offenders into the workforce; and 3) That unemployment is causally related to recidivism In reviewing the literature surrounding these three premises, a lack of empirical and theoretical support was clearly evident. More importantly, these premises have not been researched &om the perspective of offenders. Therefore, this study has examined the role and value of employment and training in the lives of a group of federal offenders prior to incarceration, while incarcerated and once released from prison In general, this study has aimed to contribute to our understanding of the correctional premises by examining offenders' experiences, attitudes and perceptions of work. More spdca l ly , this study has addressed the following research questions: 1. Pre-institutional: How do differences in experiences, attitudes and perceptions of work affect the nature of the relationship between unemployment and crime? 2. Institutional: What is the value of institutional work and training programs in assisting offenders to make the transition into the work force? 3. Post-institutional: What is the role and value of post-release employment in the reintegration process? In researching these questions, interviews were conducted with 22 federal offenders who have participated in a community-based employment assistance program (CEAP) within the last four years. The findings revealed that the relationship between unemployment and crime is very complex and assumes various forms, as reflected in differences in experiences, attitudes, and opportunities for work Additionally, although work was perceived by offenders as necessary to help them successfuny reintegrate into society, institutional work and training programs had little effect on the transition of offenders into the workforce. On the other hand, the role and value of CEAPS in Z assisting offenders to successfully reintegrate back into society was strongly supported.
Source: Summit (Simon Fraser University)
Author: Garth Manning
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W23543876