NCJ Number
193945
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 64 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2002 Pages: 64-66
Date Published
2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article explores prison developments in the United States and other modern societies.
Abstract
The United States leads the modern world in levels of incarceration. The rate has increased from 230 per 100,000 of the population in 1979 to 709 per 100,000 in 2000. While this rate of expansion dwarfs those of other English-speaking countries, it should be noted that prison levels have also grown dramatically in other English-speaking countries. In England and Wales, for example, the incarceration rate increased from 93 in 1986 to 125 in 1997. It has become clear that the expectations associated with penal development in modern societies for much of the 19th and 20th centuries have been reversed. During most of that period governments were intent on restricting the use of incarceration and developing community-based sanctions as an alternative to prison. By the 1970's, prison was viewed as expensive and inhumane. Thereafter, things began to change. Instead of high levels of incarceration viewed as a sign of shame, it is now likely to be regarded as a sign of political strength. A new language of punishment has developed in these English-speaking societies, including terms such as “zero tolerance” and “three strikes.” In the United States the extremes of wealth and poverty accelerate the sense of fear that seems endemic in modern societies. And it is in the United States where the central role of the State seems to have the most reduced role, placing the emphasis on individuals and communities to take responsibility for their security. In is in the United States that taking care of oneself has helped instill a sense of fear and distrust of others. This emphasis has become more pronounced as a global phenomenon. The growth of incarceration in the United States and other similar societies has significantly changed during the last two decades pushing the levels of incarceration to unthinkable levels. References