From the 8th National Conference on Critical Perspectives: Criminology and Social Justice

Key considerations for this proposal out of my 2018 "Harm & Harm Reduction in the Criminal Justice System" conference presentation; science, research, and theory about this stage of life...

•       Center stage, neuroscience. Scientists discovered that brain development; particularly the frontal cortex responsible for mature thinking and rational decision making, is not fully developed until our mid 20’s. How likely is it that an 18 or 19 year old will develop mature thinking and rational decision making while in an environment where fear, and basic survival to avoid physical harms are daily conditions? 

•       Jean Piagets cognitive development theory closely aligns with this asserting that from the age of 11 to 20 we are developing our potential toward what he calls, the formal operational stage; where we are building competence for complex tasks such as contemplating consequences, meta cognition, and prob solving. In some research even university students have not shown mature development in the formal operations stage!

•       Also from Psychology: The "social clock" is often discussed in relation to Transition Aged Youth; (a term used for this stage of life –  between 16 & 24 years of age). The social clock refers to social and cultural expectations around age related milestones and recognizes that the transition into adulthood is associated with intense pressures around choosing schooling, finding employment, transitioning out of the family home, and coupling. Moreover there is great shame for not meeting these milestones for the average (not imprisoned) young person! 

•       In Urie Bronfrenbrenner’s theory on human development his Ecological Systems Model emphasizes the bi-directional influence between the growing person, their social relationships, and the social and cultural structures they come into contact with...as do other theories on human development. Imagine how prison life impacts bi-directional influences! Indeed in the prison environment facilitates the prisonization and institutionalization risking the future of young prisoners and with it, public safety.

•       Erik Erikson’s Theory on Psychosocial Development posits that; between the ages of 13 and 21 we are in a phase aptly named  “Identity vrs Role Confusion” where we are tasked with forming our self identities or, struggling to figure out who we are and who we want to be;...and between 21 and 30 years of age we are in a phase he called “Intimacy vrs Isolation” where the task is to become skilled at forming close relationships or, if unsuccessful, struggling with, and facing isolation. Again ponder young peoples personal and social development in prison.

•       Furthermore, research suggests that young adulthood is the phase of life where we develop and, or augment our personal learning strategies, critical thinking skills, our ability to empathize, moral reasoning, and important social skills such as conflict resolution strategies. What’s more is that some recent studies on the use (and dependency) of technology as is prevalent in the lifestyles of today’s young adults – who are the first generation to have grown up with cell phones in their hands - suggest that this has not only interfered with the development of social skills – it has contributed to the increased prevalence of social deficits more generally, namely social anxiety. Clearly development of these skills, and social connections will not be optimal in prison.

•       Finally, I believe, as do others, that in addition to these rather implicit challenges associated with the process of transitioning into adulthood, the culture of consumerism and competition along with explicit masculinity expectations,  are imposing additional stress on young men  - to go it alone and ‘man up’ even when they are facing extenuating circumstances. How can we expect young adults to rehabilitate and seek support in the  toxic environment of the exaggerated masculinity ideals that are at work in prisons?

"The Work" is documentary that challenges common public perceptions of "criminals" and demonstrates the power of social support and social connections.

Note: This petition does not advocate NO use of imprisonment rather, it supports not augmenting criminal identities in young people who have committed a crime through prison reform initiatives to make prisons more human and rehabilitation achievable. Please sign and share this petition to that end.