What Kind of New Neighbor Do You Want? On the Central Role of Prison Education in Re-Entry

• In Event: Convict Criminology 2: Prisons and Reentry

Abstract

This presentation examines, from a sociological perspective, incarceration and the impact of education on recidivism. The high incarceration rate in the United States has recently gained national attention in the context of the associated high human and financial costs. The national demographic data on prison populations show a marked racial disparity between free populations and incarcerated populations of African American and Hispanic Americans when compared to White Americans. The reasons for this disparity are complex, but one main cause of these high rates of incarceration, nationally and across all racial groups, is recidivism. The low educational backgrounds of the majority of the prison population is a primary driver of recidivism. Through a review of the literature, analysis of existing data, and field work experience, the relationship between incarceration and recidivism is examined, focusing in particular on the role of education. To this end, educational prison programs are reviewed in regard to their history, the types of programs available, and the educational needs of the prisoners. Finally, this presentation argues that the single most effective way to reduce recidivism rates is through education, as long as that education matches the prisoners’ needs, current levels of preparation, and the actual opportunity structure in the economy after release.

Author

• Ryan K. Ramnarace, University of Wisconsin - Baraboo