Paper on the modern prison system Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Paper on the modern prison system - Essay Example Contemporary research has shown a very high rate of changes in the prison system and it is well to inquire whether this is a consequence of various factors or it is just a mere coincidence. Going through the various factors in the contemporary prison system assists in understanding the changes that have taken place in the system over time and this is best done by using reports from Virginia that has a high number of prisons. The prison system that the country uses today and in the 20th century is the same. In the 20th century, the prisons experienced major reforms in terms of the structure and the staffing. However, one major aspect that the system did not accommodate was the technological characteristic (Wilson). Technology in major institutions is one very important characteristic as in the 21st century; most of the education relayed to students is through technology. For example, calculators have come in as a great deal to serve the contemporary students with faster ways of calculating in fields such as chemistry, physics and mathematics. The fact that there has not been any introduction of the new technology devices in the prison system is a factor showing that it is not a coincidence that there is a lack of literacy in the prison system. Where there are these gadgets in the prison system, many inmates would develop professional knowledge that would assist them in the advancements of a career. Upon release from the system, they would get proper jobs that would help them shun all criminal activities thus making the environment a safer place. Lack of the gadgets in the prisons encourages the prisoners to engage in or form illegal groups in prisons The contemporary days, the economic condition in the outside world is one other factor linked to the high amount of crime in the prisons as compared to older times. In the contemporary times, the rates of recession have been steadily on the rise and thus making people engage in activities that