Doing time wisely: the social and personal benefits of higher education in prison

Abstract

Much of the research about the effects of postsecondary education for incarcerated individuals has focused on men. However, given the increase in rates of women’s imprisonment over the past two decades, it is imperative that scholars examine the impact of higher education in prison for women. In this qualitative study, the authors assess the social and personal benefits of participating in a college behind bars program delivered in a women’s prison. Data gathered with both program participants and faculty suggest that students in the program experienced a reduction in criminogenic attitudes and behaviors as well as positive changes in self-perception.