NCJ Number
169781
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 41 Issue: 2 Dated: (1997) Pages: 101-120
Date Published
1997
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Even the most cursory examination of the history of corrections reveals the absence of any lasting conviction as to the proper purpose and administration of a correctional system; alternatives fiercely promoted in one decade fall victim to raging controversy in the next.
Abstract
Despite decades of effort and experience, the expenditure of billions of dollars, and the fact that correctional reform itself has become a chronic process, no consensus has been reached on what constitutes an effective correctional system. This lack of consensus is explained in terms of the paradigms of corrections. One paradigm holds that reality consists of things and objects of solid mass and clear physical dimension, while the other paradigm holds that reality consists of processes, waves, dynamisms, and patterns. Dilemmas in corrections are aligned with these paradigms, and traditional values in the field of corrections are examined and contrasted with alternative values. Consideration is also paid to incarceration versus community placement, inmate rights versus correctional officer rights, and retaliation versus rehabilitation. Possible new directions in the field of corrections are identified, based on both ideology and practical knowledge. 104 references and 1 note