Scared Straight: Resocialization and Total Institutions in Juvenile Criminal Intervention
Overview
This assignment analyzes the documentary 'Scared Straight' through a sociological lens, examining how exposure to prison life and interaction with inmates serves as a resocialization mechanism for at-risk juveniles. The paper documents behavioral changes in youth participants and explores the role of total institutions and mentorship in crime prevention and social reintegration.
What this coursework covers
- Setting and program description at Rahway State Prison with 'lifers' group
- Juvenile attitudes before and after prison exposure, including criminal behaviors and behavioral transformation
- Long-term outcomes for participants as adults and recidivism rates among participating convicts
- Sociological analysis of contributing factors to incarceration and resocialization requirements
Preview
Name____________________________________ 20 Points
Scared Straight -- Resocialization / Total Institutions
As you watch the movie “Scared Straight” answer the following questions
1. Describe the setting.
The setting of the film is the prison where teenagers are sent into the prison to learn and be terrified by inmates and include threats of rape and assault. The film was recorded at Rahway State Prison, where prisoners known as the ‘lifers’ berate and scream at these kids. The purpose was to scare these boys so that they behave well to avoid prison life.
2. What did the prisoners call themselves?
The prisoners called themselves ‘lifers.’
3. Describe the juveniles’ attitudes before they went to prison.
Before they went inside the prison, the teenagers were arrogant and pride, an indication that they were not willing to change their behaviors. Most of them said that they would do crime because that what they are. Many of them steal because they want to satisfy themselves.
4. What pattern was evident with the kids’ post-prison interviews?
After the prison experience, most of the kids changed their attitudes and aimed to avoid the tragic realities of prison life.
5. What pattern was evident with the kids after they became adults?
The kid had become advocates for a positive life and turned their life around. They remembered the role of the ‘lifers’ in turning their life around.
6. What pattern was evident with the convicts after they participated in the program?
Their lives turned around for better. More than 80% were never convicted.
7.