Perceptions Of Inmates, Inmates' Life In Prison, And Reentry Into Society: An Evaluation Of Educational Influence On Societal Perceptions Versus The Realities Of Inmates' Experiences

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct an in class survey over the perceptions of inmates, inmates' life in prison and reentry into society. The study hoped to gain understanding of educational influence on societal current perceptions on the topic. Statistical analyses of t-tests were conducted to control for gender, victimization, and knowing someone who was ever incarcerated versus not knowing someone ever incarcerated. The results suggested many victims agreed that inmates face hardships in prison and in society. Furthermore, victims believed community cohesion is crucial to reintegration. The study hypothesized that perceptions of inmates, inmates' life in prison and reentry into society would depend on the educational level and/or knowledge of the topic.