Prison Does Nothing

 

What is the role of prison? 


In the U.S.A. it is assumed that prison is supposed to serve as a deterrent; the threat of punishment is expected to keep people from committing crimes.


Why do we think this system should be working? 

 

Do more prisons equate to less crime?

Do more prisons equate to less desire to commit crimes? 

Do more prisons equate to less incentive to gain whatever immediate gratification people seem to find in committing the crimes?


Without citing any research, I'm going to bet the answer to the previous three questions is "no."


And why would that likely be the case? Anyone who knows about the science of Applied Behavior Analysis/Application knows that PUNISHMENT is the least effective way to significantly and/or permanently modify behavior.


So - why does the U.S. put all its eggs into expecting punishment to solve crime issues?


It's. Because. Christians. Believe. In. A. Punitive. God.


I do not believe God believes that punishment solves anything.

If we start from that one belief, we could have a much different society.

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