Criminals and Society: The Battle Between Reintegration and Recidivism

ABSTRACT: This research paper is focused on released convicts and the struggles they face to become active, progressive members of society. Sadly, these released offenders regularly face discrimination in their job searches, in attempts to secure housing for themselves and their families, and to be accepted by their communities. Without the right support structures in place upon their release, these former prisoners may very well fall back into lives of crime. Without a suitable place to stay, these released offenders may become recidivists, falling back into their familiar roles as law breakers, if only to provide the basic necessities for themselves and their families. Statistically, more than one third of released offenders end up back in jail within a year of their initial release. Through this study, I hoped to shed light on some of the main causes of criminal recidivism using Labeling Theory and Social Learning Theory. INTRODUCTION: More than 600,000 prisoners are released into the main population of the United States every year. Of that 600,000, 30 percent end up back behind bars within six months of their release, and 70 percent end up returning to jail within three years (Reisig, 409). Upon release, many criminals find that life on the outside is harder on them than it was when they were convicted, sentenced, and locked away. People who know them may become just as prejudiced as the interviewers and landlords who deny them the chance to earn a living or a place to stay. Through the continued use of labels like criminal, thug, crook, and felon, many released offenders feel ostracized and isolated. Their friends and families may turn their backs on them, taking away the few things they have left... ... database. MacKenzie, Doris Layton. (2006, May) Aftercare Following A Correctional Bootcamp May Reduce Recidivism. Criminology & Public Policy, 5(2), 359. Retrieved from Criminal Justice Periodicals Database. Visher, Christy A. (2006, May) Effective Reentry Programs. Criminology & Public Policy, 5(2), 299. Retrieved from Criminal Justice Periodicals Database. Listwan, Shelley J., Cullen, Francis T., Latessa, Edward J. (2006, December) How to Prevent Prisoner Re-entry Programs From Failing: Insights From Evidence-Based Corrections. Federal Probation, 70(3), 19. Retrieved from Criminal Justice Periodicals. Leighninger, L., & Popple, Phillip R. (1996). Social Work, Social Welfare, and American Society (3rd. ed.). Allyn and Bacon: Needham Heights, MA. Calhoun, C., Light, D., & Keller, S. (1989). Sociology (5th. ed.). Alfred A. Knopf: New York.