token economy

Question 1

what is this policy??

Answer 1

individualistic theory of crime and policy development

Question 2

explain this policy??

Answer 2

• based upon the psychological concept of behaviour modification. toke economies utilize operant conditioning to direct behaviour.
• done by rewarding positive behaviour and punishing the bad
• aims to increase admirable behaviour and decrease negative behaviour
• the institutional management draws up a list of behaviours they wish to promote which hopes to control behaviour
• examples = keep cell clean, follow rules etc
• rewards = extra-visiting hours or luxury items

Question 3

how does this policy link to individualistic theories??

Answer 3

• policy is a type of behaviour modification policy which are policies that closley link to indiviualistic theories
• belief that the offences have learnt t=certain undesirable behaviours such as criminality. this could be a result if imitating their models
• use rewards to encourage desirable behaviour and punish to dicourage bad behaviour
• aim is for the offender to unlearn their previous undesirable behaviour

Question 4

what are the arguments for the policy working??

Answer 4

• deliver token policy programmes is much cheaper that custodial sentences so it helps reduce recidivism then it is cost effective
• policies are effective in increasing positive behaviour in some prisoners.
• attacks pm officers dropped 80% and those inmates by a third in feltham young offenders when given sweets for good behaviour

Question 5

what are the arguments against the policy working??

Answer 5

• research shows strategies are not universally effective and tend to only work in the short term
• strategies are only effective in the institution where they are carried out so any gains are not transferred to other settings: once released