By Hans Toch

“Few oxymorons sound to most people as silly and naive as that of prison democracy—and with reason. In fact, with two opposite reasons. For one, one wants offenders punished, and democracy sounds like a reward. For another, few citizens are enchanted with what passes for democ- racy elsewhere, and one can conceive of the liabilities of representative governance enhanced, corrupted, and caricatured in prison settings.”

Federal Probation. June 1995. 6p.

By Hans Toch

Politicians are responding to perceptions ofa primitive, bloodthirsty electorate by advancing proposals for harsher and more austere prisons. However, studies show the public to be decidedly optimistic abour the prospectsforchange during incarceration, particularly as a result ofhardwork andself-discipline. In this context, long-term inmates pose the biggest challenge for correctional administrators. A "career-planning" model, centered around notions of advancement, progression, continuity, choice, and achievement, is advocated. Six essential elements of "career planning" for inmatesare proposed.

The Prisonjournal, Vol. 76 No. 4, December 1996495-501 © 1996 Sage Publications, lac.