Prisons Compare and Contrast Essay Example

merchants, providing convicts with practical training. Some prisoners even worked outside the prison walls with business owners. Despite the benefits of trade education, some prisons resorted to physical punishment. Moreover, male and female adults as well as youthful offenders shared the same cell blocks.

Due to the increase in crime rates, prisons became overcrowded with over three inmates sometimes being housed per cell. Before World War II, businesses were not allowed to buy products made by prisoners and the government prohibited the sale of such goods due to concerns that inmates were taking jobs away from other workers without being productive. However, during WWII, the government established the Prison Industrial Branch as an opportunity for convicts to contribute towards war efforts.

Throughout the United States, prisons played a significant part in manufacturing war-related goods like weaponry parts, flags, clothing, and food. This included designated prisons for women and children where they sewed clothes and flags for the war effort. As prisoners gained recognition for their contributions, they were given more opportunities to support the cause. Ultimately, prisons were essential to supporting the overall war effort.

Following the war, the prison system experienced an increase in population and a decrease in public visibility. This resulted in deteriorating conditions and riots calling for improved living arrangements. The government's ban on prisoner employment exacerbated the situation. Currently, finding effective means to encourage criminals to integrate positively into society remains challenging. Though some approaches have proven successful previously, there is always room for improvement as crimes escalate and prisons aim to aid with reintegration upon release.

As time has passed, the penal systems have progressed in their methods of punishing lawbreakers to

become more compassionate. As offenses alter, penalties also transform. Previously, correctional institutions employed a penitential tactic that entailed separating detainees from the community and mandating solitary labor. Currently, prisoners are permitted to communicate with one another and exit their cells for heightened efficiency. Despite initial concerns about inmates engaging in leisure pursuits throughout the day, numerous individuals now hold positions such as janitors, launderers, and kitchen staff.

Previously, inmates were not required to take part in educational programs that aimed to improve their skills. Prisons only served as a place of confinement without any focus on rehabilitation efforts until the release of prisoners. While prisons were initially designed not only for detaining criminals but also for rehabilitating them, changes have been made since the first prison was established. Foster (2006) claims that the penitentiary system is more of an idea than an actual institution; however, it is still crucial to upgrade current prison systems and equip inmates with necessary skills for successful reintegration into society after their release.

Even though crime rates have risen and punishments have become harsher, it remains feasible to operate a productive facility that helps inmates obtain an education, develop new skills, and ultimately become contributing members of society after their release from prison.