Discussion Post
Write two paragraphs regarding the German system and how it’s clearly based on a different philosophy of human nature because the conditioning techniques they use are quite different in many ways from the style of behaviorism practiced here in the U.S. prison system. Your first paragraph should be 4-6 sentences long and explain what you think are the three most important differences in how the German system treats its prisoners compared to the system we have here in the United States. This paragraph should reference direct and specific examples from the video clip. In your second paragraph of 4-6 sentences offer your overall impression and opinion after watching the video. What do you like and dislike about their system? Do you think it could work well here in the U.S.?
This youtube is necessary to view: The German prison program that inspired Connecticut – YouTube
Requirements: 1-2 Pages
Answer preview
German prisons have significantly lower incarceration rates than U.S correctional facilities. In the last forty years, the U.S prison population has increased by seven-hundred percent, reaching a total prison expenditure of fifty-three billion dollars. The German system has several different philosophical and practical approaches that can help reform U.S prisons (60 Minutes, 2019). Some of the differences are that German prisons value humanity, and they try as much as possible to make life in prison similar to life in the community. For instance, the prisoner in the video is serving a life sentence, but he gets a weekend gate away with his family for good behavior. That helps him see life from a different perspective and helps him connect with the outside community.
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