Redemption in an Era of Mass Imprisonment: Public Support for Rehabilitation Ceremonies

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

As the paradigm of mass imprisonment has proven bankrupt, increasing attention is being paid to replace exclusionary with inclusionary correctional practices. Central to this project is the recognition that offenders who have paid their debt to society must escape continued condemnation and restrictions that impede their full reintegration into society. Rehabilitation or redemption ceremonies is a promising method of certifying that offenders are now full-fledged members of society. Based on a 2017 national survey of 1,000 respondents, the current study examines public support for rehabilitation ceremonies. The analysis also examined how the level of support is shaped by punitiveness, belief in the redeemability of offenders, and a range of other variables. The policy implications of these findings are explored.

Authors

• Leah Butler, University of Cincinnati

• Angela J. Thielo, University of Louisville

• Francis T. Cullen, University of Cincinnati

• Alexander Burton, University of Cincinnati

• Velmer S. Burton Jr., University of Mississippi