Department of Justice statistics for 2004 indicate that a large number of inmates are illiterate in language and math. Recidivism is the major reason for the increase in prison populations. Do you believe that educational programs for the incarcerated have value to them? If so what? If not why? Can educational programs reduce recidivism? If so how? If not why not?
2006-10-21 16:21:00 · 4 answers · asked by wndrngmnd 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Education in prisons is invaluable in giving a prisoner skills to become employable. It is extrememly difficult for a felon with any education to gain employment, but without, the only skills the individual has are those which got him or her to prison in the first place.
Housing inmates costs real money. Doing so for the life of an individual who has the necessary aptitude to be self-sufficient if educated is a wast of not only money, but the benefit to society that the individual could have otherwise offered.
2006-10-21 16:27:09 · answer #1 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do believe they have value, although I do not believe they should be offered in prison. Prison is a punishment for a crime, not a college for criminals. It is ridiculous that my tax dollars should be used to "rehabilitate" criminals when they are supposed to be punished. Why should I struggle to send my own children to college and then not be given a choice on whether or not to pay for a inmates education? If they want an education after they have been punished then there might be a way to make such programs a joint cost venture (the ex-con, and tax dollars both pay), but the program would have to rely on the desire of the person to receive the education. Once again, prison is a punishment, not a reward. Rehabilitation should take place after the punishment.
2006-10-21 23:34:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a person is illiterate and you could change that it may help to change their values and self worth. If a person learns math and language it would help them to be able to learn a trade and not have to resort to crime to live. Knowledge is a wonderful tool if it is the right knowledge. Recidivism happens when the person feels that they have no choice but to re-offend in order to survive. It some times happens so they can go back to prison because that lifestyle they understand and can function in. You also have to take into consideration other contributing factors such as mental health, drug usage, etc. Some will always resort to crime because that is what works for them.
2006-10-21 23:42:48 · answer #3 · answered by skye62812 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Inmates need to be literate so they can get a degree, represent themselves in court and sue the government because they didnt get the degree they wanted or some other frivilous suit.
2006-10-21 23:31:08 · answer #4 · answered by bonbon432004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋