One method that can be used to positively impact prisons and reduce Prisonization is a clear focus on rehabilitation while in prison and following reentry. Rehabilitation would include individualized programming for inmates which specifically address the issues and problems the inmate faces. For instance, inmates with drug or alcohol addiction will receive treatment. Inmates with mental health issues will receive proper mental health attention including group and individual therapy, educational classes and medication if needed.
Another method that can positively impact prisoners and reduce Prisonization is a revamping of the punitive consequences faced by prisoners for rule violations. Many prisoners who violate prison rules that do not harm themselves or others face consequences including limited or no visitation, reduction of privileges including access to commissary or other privileges that are already scarce, and isolation for extended periods of time. These consequences imposed upon inmates tend to place further stress on prisoners and typically result in further inappropriate behavior in prison which tend to extend after reentry. Designing punitive consequences in an individualistic manner and ensuring rehabilitation occurs at the same time could be effective in reducing Prisonization.
A third method that can impact prisoners and reduce Prisonization is the implementation of education programs that are current in the outside community. In 2012, federal inmates were in classes learning how to balance checkbooks and evaluate bank statements. Modern technology is completely unknown to prisoners and when they reenter, many things will be foreign and produce greater anxiety on the newly released prisoner. By implementing programs that are current, prisoners may feel a sense of self-worth while in prison and seek to educational programs if they were up to date. This will allow prisoners to remain attached in some sense to the world outside prison and will prevent the loss, to some extent, of self-respect. The loss of self-respect leads to greater Prisonization.
A fourth method that can impact prisoners and reduce Prisonization is an elimination of the us versus them mentality between the prison staff and the inmates. Prison experience is a culture shock imposed on every individual entering the system. On top of this, prisoners quickly learn that the staff does not respect them as they are not deemed to be respected. They have no rights and this is made clearly from the minute the inmate walks into prison and is strip searched. The elimination of intimidation may effectively reduce Prisonization. Rather than stripping the inmate of their humanness, prison staff could promote individuality and respect prisoners as human beings with fundamental rights.
References
Haney, C. (2001, December 1). The Psychological Impact of Incarceration: Implications for Post-Prison Adjustment. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: https://aspe.hhs.gov/basic-report/psychological-impact-incarceration-implications-post-prison-adjustment
Houston, J. (n.d.). Ex-Prisoners' Perceptions of the Availability And Effects of Services in Correctional Settings. Bridgewater State University Virtual Commons, 14.
