Unit 4 3.2 - Achieving Social Control Institutional

Question 1

Rule Making (1): Incentives & Earned Privileges system + Examples

Answer 1

The Incentives & Earned Privileges system (introduced in 1995) is an essential for prison management
It promotes conforming behaviour through rational choice
Allowing people to earn benefits in exchange for behaving responsibly encourages prisoners to engage with planning and ensures a more disciplined & controlled environment, which is safer for staff & prisoners
Incentives & Earned Privileges system Levels:
Good behaviour = higher level. Bad behaviour = lower level
Whether they keep to the rules & take part in activities and their rehabilitation
Incentive Examples:
Having a TV in the cell
Earning more money
Wearing own clothes

Question 2

Rule Making (2): Incentive Levels + Punishments

Answer 2

Incentive Levels
Basic: Those who haven’t abided by behaviour principles. Only given what is legally necessary. E.G: some letters & visits
Standard: Those who abide by behaviour principles adequately. May be allowed more. E.G: TV in cells
Enhanced: Those who demonstrate the behaviour principles to a consistent standard. Given the most luxuries. E.G: wearing own clothes

Punishments
Could receive a caution
Privileges could be taken away for up to 42 days
Up to 84 days worth of any money earned could be stopped
Could be locked in a cell alone, away from other prisoners for up to 35 days - cellular confinement

Question 3

Rule Making (3): Achieving Social Control

Answer 3

Achieve Social Control
Deterrence: individuals don’t want to face further punishment of losing privileges or freedom, and so are forced to conform to behaviour principles
Internalisation: individuals are incentivised to display good law-abiding behaviour & disciplined for negative behaviour - positive boundary maintenance

Question 4

Staged Sanctions:

Answer 4

Achieve Social Control
The police have staged disciplined procedures for dealing with offenders prior to court proceedings taking place. Involves a series of cautions & warnings
They act as a second chance to allow the offender to admit guilt but without having to face court proceedings
Similarly, the NPS allows 2 minor breaches of the community order to act as a warning before referring the matter back to court

Fear of Punishment: the use of Staged Sanctions works based on the premise of the individual acknowledging their guilt & fearing facing a court procedure, and so are deterred from reoffending