A Study on Life Adaptability and Open University Education for Former Inmates in Correctional Institutions in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Long-Hong Ting, 丁榮轟
• Other Authors: none
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/72091774929758507661

博士 === 國立中正大學 === 犯罪防治所 === 93 === In the domain of penal system, a long debated question is: should we give criminal offenders more education or more punishment? In the past 10 years, the change of legislation towards either harsh or gentle parole policy seems have little influence on the recidivism and parole revocation rates. Previous research in other countries have proved that those inmates who receive suitable education programs in prisons, especially higher education programs with degrees, have higher employment rates and lower recidivism rates when returning to society. Consequently, it reduces imprisonment expenditures. This is the main aim for the current dissertation, namely exploring the influence of receiving higher education to inmates’ life adaptabiliy . In terms of methodology, I collected both quantitative and qualitative data, utilizing several research instruments - survey questionnaire, semi-structure interviews, and secondary data analysis. I reviewed the change of recidivism rate and parole revocation rates in the last decade using official statistics. A survey was conducted to 170 parole inmates who have received Open University education and another 170 inmates who have not in 8 institutions from 1997 to 2003 in order to compare their adaptability extent, supplemented by their recidivism records. Another eleven parole inmates were interviewed face-to-face to understand the effectiveness of higher correctional education of Open University in terms of life adaptability after their release from prisons. The result shows that the inmates who have graduated from Open University education have higher attendant rate in a variety of correctional education programs and lower recidivism rate. They receive higher salary and have better life adaptability and higher recognition to correctional education than their counterpart. Independent variables, such as high education level, living with family, and religion belief, are proved to link to better life adaptability. Both quantitative and qualitative data indicate that Open University education has a positive influence to life adaptability and receives appreciation from the majority of participants. It is also found that shorter term participation is linked to higher appreciation and higher dropout. This deserves further consideration. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that education program in prison is helpful for released inmates if implemented properly, which is consistent with labeling theory, social control theory, moral-development theory, opportunity theory and differential association theory. According to the finding, inmates’ behavior and ideas undergo change during the program and consequently their social bond becomes stronger, especially that with their family relations. In turn, they develop a more positive working attitude. For example, they become estranged with old friends, return to family and attend tradition activities. So they keep off criminal circumstances and have better life adaptability. According to above result, I designed a local correctional education model, identifying more important elements which support life adaptability. These are: high support from family, active learning inclination, positive attitude on the role of institution from prison and front line managers. A successful correctional education program with these elements will help the inmates to get a higher-paid job, and then less possibility of re-offend, then better life adaptability. This is the first empirical research evaluating the higher education program in correction institutions in Taiwan. This study not only has broad implications for future research in this area, but perhaps more immediately, addresses a key policy issue in Taiwan. My finding provides important research evidence. It is hoped that the government will develop appropriate responses to the key policy area in correctional education to improve rehabilitation effect of prisons and increase long term public safety.