Occupational Socialization and Career Development - A Look at Cynicism Among Correctional Institution Workers

• NCJ Number: 74919
• Journal: Human Organization Volume: 38 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1979) Pages: 183-187
• Author(s): R M Regoli; E D Poole; J L Schrink
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 5 pages
• Grant Number(s): 5-23821
• Sponsoring Agency: Texas Christian University Research Foundation
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

An ethnographic picture is presented of the occupational career stages of correctional institution workers to show the gradual development of cynicism among rank-and-file corrections workers as a consequence of the growing professionalization of corrections work.

Abstract

Professionalization in corrections is characterized by a concern for higher standards of education, selection, training, institutional performance, and a recognition of existing inadequacies. Two opposing groups have emerged: the conservative 'old guard' corrections officials who are skeptical of change and the 'professional' staff which supports change. Due to the conflict between old and new value systems, feelings of cynicism have been heightened among rank-and-file correctional workers. These feelings have been exacerbated by the professionals' emphasis on higher standards for promotion without providing access to avenues for attaining them. On the basis of existing research on police work, as well as on interview data gathered from corrections personnel, the report concludes that correctional workers respond to the 'occupation-profession' transition in a manner similar to that of the police. Consequently, six distinct career stages through which corrections workers progress can be identified. The first two stages, lasting 6 months and 18 months, respectively, mark the corrections worker's orientation and accommodation toward the institution. Stages three and four are characterized by increasing cynicism as the job becomes more routine and the worker becomes integrated into the subculture. However, the fourth stage (a 7 to 10-year period) witnesses more intense cynicism because the correctional worker's aspirations are most keen. Career stages five and six are marked by increasing resignation, less cynicism, renewal of commitment to corrections work, and increasing awareness of retirement benefits. More research in this area is needed. Eight references are provided.