Interesting...deterrance theory operates on the assumption that the main purpose of prisons is to act as a deterrance. I think it's striking that this seems to be more effective than viewing imprisonment as a way to punish people (i.e., increasing the severity of punishments without letting folks know--which doesn't seem to work at all).
I feel like I could have used this while teaching Hebrew School this morning...
But I also feel like the article is operating on some assumptions that are most likey not completely true--like that the police force is in no way racist or prejudiced against some folks.
And I feel uneasy about the part where they play into the gender stereotypes of using mothers and grandmothers (why not fathers or children or friends?) to "cheer the police on." There was something weird about that part that almost felt like the mothers and grandmothers were internalizing some of the (possibly racist?) assumptions and operations of the police.
Thanks for posting this. My friend in from high school who know works for a gang-prevention organization in San Francisco actually sent this article to me as an explanation of the theory they follow.
I found it fascinating to read about how they incorporated psychology and behavioral economics theory, instead of just repeating what hasn't worked in the past. I hope to see this theory continue to reach more cities and ultimately show some incredible results.
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ReplyDeleteInteresting...deterrance theory operates on the assumption that the main purpose of prisons is to act as a deterrance. I think it's striking that this seems to be more effective than viewing imprisonment as a way to punish people (i.e., increasing the severity of punishments without letting folks know--which doesn't seem to work at all).
ReplyDeleteI feel like I could have used this while teaching Hebrew School this morning...
But I also feel like the article is operating on some assumptions that are most likey not completely true--like that the police force is in no way racist or prejudiced against some folks.
And I feel uneasy about the part where they play into the gender stereotypes of using mothers and grandmothers (why not fathers or children or friends?) to "cheer the police on." There was something weird about that part that almost felt like the mothers and grandmothers were internalizing some of the (possibly racist?) assumptions and operations of the police.
--Michal (AVODAH New Orleans)
Thanks for posting this. My friend in from high school who know works for a gang-prevention organization in San Francisco actually sent this article to me as an explanation of the theory they follow.
ReplyDeleteI found it fascinating to read about how they incorporated psychology and behavioral economics theory, instead of just repeating what hasn't worked in the past. I hope to see this theory continue to reach more cities and ultimately show some incredible results.
Lauren (AVODAH DC)