The Civically Engaged Inmate: Participation in Prison Programs in the United States

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2011
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Haverford College. Department of Political Science
CPGC: Student Research
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Thesis
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Award
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eng
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Open Access
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Abstract
In this paper I seek to expand upon Verba, Brady, and Scholzman’s widely accepted classification of political participation and to explain political participation and civic engagement within an unconventional group, prisoners in state and federal penitentiaries. I examine the propensity of inmates to participate in what I would define as political and civic actions. Verba, Brady, and Scholzman define political participation as an activity that: “…affords citizens in a democracy an opportunity to communicate information to government officials about their concerns and preferences and to put pressure on them to respond.” I adapt their definition of political and civic participation to include the intent or effect to challenge or bolster current power dynamics. Individuals who take part in such actions are “…seeking to bridge the growing gap between them and their political processes and institutions through substantive political participation that goes beyond voting and engaging with political parties.” This definition broadens the range of activities considered as political participation and is not limited solely to members of the American electorate. To categorize political participation based mainly on an individual’s ability to vote is to fail to see the larger scope of political and civic engagement. According to theoretical analysis, inmates in state and federal penitentiaries are generally not classified under traditional guidelines as individuals who would be expected to take part in politics. Traditionally scholars have not viewed them as political actors, yet they possess a strong political will that is carried out through their participation in prison programs. Due to their circumstances these individuals take up political actions, at least some of the time, with non-governmental actors. By viewing accepted political science theory through the unconventional lens provided by the prison participation model a fresh observation of political participation occurs. The research examines why some inmates in federal and state penitentiaries may possess political and civic power through their participation in prison programs. Despite the fact that in some states prisoners have lost their right to vote, participation is possible because organizations that enable political action are not only found outside prison walls. Through empirical research and data analysis this thesis examines the potential for political engagement by inmates involved in prison programs and the potential these programs have to alter the social and political status for individuals both in and out of prison. When seen in this way, prison activities become important political actions. Using numerical data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics I ran regressions. The study data suggests a series of explanations for why inmates take part in these programs. The statistics shown in my thesis indicate that an inmate’s relationship with their children may play a significant role in defining a prisoner’s participation. The involvement in education programs is political for the opportunities it affords prisoners for self-betterment as well as the empowerment to alter their current standards of living. I believe, in the context of incarceration education is a powerful tool for political advocacy. Two programs stand out as vital examples of educations role in political advocacy. The prison lawyering program and inmate advisory groups represent the effectiveness of education as a political instrument. These programs as well as other discussed within the thesis are effective political tools, which have led to prison reform and alterations in policy.If we accept the correlations between an inmate’s relationship to their children and educational participation then it is possible for a series of new postrelease programs to be established.
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