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Criminals and Society: The Battle Between Reintegration and Recidivism

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Criminals and Society: The Battle Between Reintegration and Recidivism
Criminals and Society: The Battle Between Reintegration and Recidivism

ABSTRACT:

This research paper is focused on released convicts and the struggles they face to become active, progressive members of society. Sadly, these released offenders regularly face discrimination in their job searches, in attempts to secure housing for themselves and their families, and to be accepted by their communities. Without the right support structures in place upon their release, these former prisoners may very well fall back into lives of crime. Without a suitable place to stay, these released offenders may become recidivists, falling back into their familiar roles as law breakers, if only to provide the basic necessities for themselves and their families. Statistically, more than one third of released offenders end up back in jail within a year of their initial release. Through this study, I hoped to shed light on some of the main causes of criminal recidivism using Labeling Theory and Social Learning Theory.

INTRODUCTION:

More than 600,000 prisoners are released into the main population of the United States every year. Of that 600,000, 30 percent end up back behind bars within six months of their release, and 70 percent end up returning to jail within three years (Reisig, 409). Upon release, many criminals find that life on the outside is harder on them than it was when they were convicted, sentenced, and locked away. People who know them may become just as prejudiced as the interviewers and landlords who deny them the chance to earn a living or a place to stay. Through the continued use of labels like criminal, thug, crook, and felon, many released offenders feel ostracized and isolated. Their friends and families may turn their backs on them, taking away the few things they have left to hold onto and work for. In these cases, returning to a life of crime may not only seem like their sole option, but also the most logical one to make. In a world where



References: Reisig, et al. (2007, September) The Effect of Racial Inequality on Black Male Recidivism. Justice Quarterly, 24, 585. Retrieved from Criminal Justice Periodicals database. Weiman, David F. (Summer 2007) Barriers to Prisoners’ Reentry Into the Labor Market and the Social Costs of Recidivism. Social Research, 74(2), 575. Retrieved from ProQuest Social Science Journals Database Clark, Lynn M Katsiyannis, Antonis & Archwamety, Teara (1997) Factors Related to Recidivism Among Delinquent Youths in a State Correctional Facility. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 6(1), 43. Retrieved from Criminal Justice Periodicals Database. Randle, Judith. (2007, June) Locked Out: Felon Disenfranchisement and American Democracy. Law & Society Review, 41(2), 500. Retrieved from ProQuest Psychology Journals database. Bazemore, Gordon. (2007, Summer) The Expansion of Punishment and the Restriction of Justice: Loss of Limits in the Implementation of Retributive Policy. Social Research, 74(2), 651. Retrieved from ProQuest Social Science Journals database. MacKenzie, Doris Layton. (2006, May) Aftercare Following A Correctional Bootcamp May Reduce Recidivism. Criminology & Public Policy, 5(2), 359. Retrieved from Criminal Justice Periodicals Database. Visher, Christy A. (2006, May) Effective Reentry Programs. Criminology & Public Policy, 5(2), 299. Retrieved from Criminal Justice Periodicals Database. Listwan, Shelley J.; Cullen, Francis T.; Latessa, Edward J. (2006, December) How to Prevent Prisoner Re-entry Programs From Failing: Insights From Evidence-Based Corrections Leighninger, L., & Popple, Phillip R. (1996). Social Work, Social Welfare, and American Society (3rd. ed.). Allyn and Bacon: Needham Heights, MA. Calhoun, C., Light, D., & Keller, S. (1989). Sociology (5th. ed.). Alfred A. Knopf: New York.

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