NCJ Number
192185
Date Published
2000
Length
199 pages
Annotation
This book examines the negative public perceptions of corrections and the role of popular culture in creating those perceptions.
Abstract
The book is informally divided into two sections. The first five chapters explore the complex interrelated processes involved in defining the popular culture of corrections that contains the powerful, negative correctional stereotypes that provide such a solid foundation for the overwhelmingly negative public perception of corrections and the individuals employed in that field. The last five chapters detail the proposed antidote to the popular culture of corrections; a process of community education whose many elements are designed to assist in the decertification of negative correctional stereotypes. The book discusses actions to counteract negative stereotyping and many aspects of popular culture that contribute to the negative stereotyping, including: sociological literature and prison literature; Hollywood and the prison movie; news media documentation of current correctional employee misconduct; the need for a community education strategy to "legitimize" corrections; education of elected officials; and expanding the community education resource base. References, bibliographies, tables, index