The Negative Effects Of Prison Education

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It has been oftentimes stated that prison is a damaging institution, which impairs or further aggravates psychological conditions of its patients; in the same way, scholars in this field have come forward with the idea that education could provide a framework wherein the effects of imprisonment can be reduced. To effectively accomplish this task however, it is important to disclose the characteristics of the prison setting as well as to acknowledge the sufferings it brings about (Behan, 2008).
One of the first attempts to document the detrimental effects of the prison setting was brought forth by Sykes (1958); in his book he identified five major negative effects of imprisonment. Firstly, he presented the deprivation of liberty as the most
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Some scholars for instance stress what is defined as critical thinking, proposing that adult education should be focused on the need of the prisoners aiming at facilitating these people who, in most cases, have had negative previous experiences with the education system (Jarvis, 2010). In fact, researchers have confirmed that a large number of prisoners had experienced expulsion due to bad behaviour or serious offences inside the school, hence they were properly engaging in education only after being convicted (Carrigan and Maunsell, …show more content…
Education in such context then should be regarded as equally valuable as work, to the extent that any financial or other type of damage which may be experienced by those prisoner who engage in studies should be avoided. Moreover, prison education is expected to reflect as much as possible the type of learning opportunities which are normally available to the members of the free community and those prisoners who have special needs or more serious problems should be assisted accordingly. The prison staff are required to support and encourage the convicts placed under their responsibility to engage in education and meaningful activities, which should include classroom learning and social education without neglecting creative activities and sports. In addition, the prisoner should be allowed to participate in educational activities outside the institution, while the outside community shall be encouraged to take part in the formation of those who are confined. Finally, it was rightfully underlined that education should give individuals the opportunity to fully develop their knowledge and critical thinking, facilitating them upon release to effectively reintegrate in the community

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