A 21st Century Analysis of Prison Management and the Aging Process
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Date
2020-07-14
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Abstract
Determining appropriate theory to analyze how the aging process impacts prison
management has proven difficult. Since there is little extant theory that can posit factors
and trends leading to an aging inmate population and simultaneously discuss the
program needs for older and elder inmates, this study reviewed multiple theories with
within Criminology and Aging & the Life Course perspectives. This was intended to
provide a springboard into the discourse on aging and the American inmate. A mixed
methods approach was performed using logistic regression and a case study of prison
programs and policies. Logistic regression was used to determine whether the following
factors contributed to inmates being aged in prison: race, region, offense type,
recidivism, lifer status, and first time offender status. Providing a more holistic
perspective of aging inmates, a case study was done with original data collection on
program policies in states and the federal government in the U.S. I used four subsections
to classify the types of programs and policies reported in place for aged inmates: prisons
with policies, prisons with programs for males, prisons with gender responsive programs
for females, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. An integrated approach to theory and an
attempt at bridging the gap between theory and application using a case study provided a
more succinct body of knowledge. This not only impacts the theoretical perspective in
corrections but also provides a more robust perspective for dialogue regarding the aging
prison population.
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Keywords
aging, life course, mass incarceration, inmates, logistic regression, policy, programs, prison, bureau of prisons