Education in Prison - Sample

Research suggests a correlation between low education levels and criminal behavior. This has led some to propose that providing education to incarcerated individuals could improve their job prospects upon release and, as a result, reduce the likelihood of reoffending. This essay will argue in favor of this proposal.

Education is a powerful tool for rehabilitation within the prison system. Educated people are not only less likely to participate in criminal activity, but are also more productive upon reintegration into society. By receiving academic degrees or vocational training, ex-cons can secure higher-paying, more fulfilling jobs upon release. This allows them to re-enter society in a more stable manner and decreases the rate of re-offense. Indeed, many recent studies has demonstrated that rigorous college programs within prison are able to reduce recidivism significantly across all racial groups.

Furthermore, the studying process itself occupies the time and attention of inmates. Instead of antagonizing their fellow prisoners, education offers them the opportunity to spend time constructively. Thus, their participation in educational programs often results in reduced or commuted sentences due to good behavior, allowing them to re-enter society sooner and contribute for a longer period. This benefits not only the individuals themselves but also society as a whole.

In fact, I would go so far as to argue that denying education to people in prison is a waste of both taxpayer dollars as well as human resources. The incarcerated population, despite their past wrong-doings, still represents significant human resources. Thus, not only is it ethically questionable to waste the funds of taxpayers on punishing them, but such shortsightedness is also detrimental to the rest of us. Without re-education, former convicts often perpetuate the cycle of violence and criminal acts, which drains public resources. With education, we not only offer them a chance at a better life, but also avoid wasting valuable potential workers. This will undoubtedly create a safer, more productive society.

In conclusion, education is a great tool that we can use to reduce both recidivism and further violations within prisons themselves, and not providing education to inmates is a disservice to society itself.

(349 words, band 7)