The Pennsylvania System of Corrections: Not Exactly a Prison Sleepover Party
Ah, prisons. Not exactly a vacation destination, but throughout history, folks have been trying to figure out the best way to, well, keep the bad guys out of circulation and maybe even turn them into good guys. Enter the Pennsylvania System of Corrections, which, let's just say, had some interesting ideas about reform.
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| What Was The Pennsylvania System Of Corrections Based On |
Founded on Quaker Beliefs (and Maybe a Touch of Madness?)
The 18th century wasn't exactly known for its plush accommodations, and prisons were no exception. Think crowded, disease-ridden, and not a place you'd want to spend a Tuesday afternoon. The Quakers, a religious group known for their pacifism, thought this whole system was a bit barbaric. They figured there had to be a better way, a more humane way, to deal with criminals.
This is where things get interesting. The Quakers believed in the power of reflection and repentance. Their idea? Stick criminals in solitary confinement. That's right, all alone in a cell for 23 hours a day. Now, some might say this is solitary confinement bordering on solitary torture. But the Quakers believed that isolation would give criminals time to contemplate their wrongdoings and emerge from prison as reformed citizens.
The Not-So-Grand Hotel: Eastern State Penitentiary
In 1829, the Quakers put their theory to the test with the opening of Eastern State Penitentiary. Imagine a giant, gothic building with individual cells designed to be as comfortable (air quotes very much intended) as possible. Each cell had running water, a toilet (fancy!), and even a skylight for a little Vitamin D. Sounds alright, right? Well, there was just one tiny catch: inmates weren't allowed to talk to anyone, not even the guards.
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
This silence was supposed to be golden, a path to enlightenment. But for many, it led to a different kind of enlightenment: the kind that comes from staring at the wall for hours on end and questioning your sanity.
The Pennsylvania System: A resounding success? Not Quite.
So, did the Pennsylvania System work? Let's just say the results were mixed. Some inmates did seem to find religion (or at least something resembling it) in solitary confinement. But for many, the isolation led to mental breakdowns and a whole host of other problems. Plus, the system was expensive to maintain, and critics argued that solitary confinement wasn't exactly preparing folks for life back in the real world, which, you know, involved interacting with other humans.
The Pennsylvania System eventually fell out of favor, but it did leave its mark on the prison system. The idea of rehabilitation, while a bit misguided in this case, became a more prominent goal.
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
FAQ: The Pennsylvania System in a Nutshell
How did the Pennsylvania System work?
Inmates were kept in solitary confinement for most of the day, with minimal human interaction.
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Why did they think this would work?
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The Quakers believed isolation would lead to reflection and repentance.
Was it successful?
The results were mixed. Some inmates found religion, but many suffered from mental health problems.
QuickTip: Skim first, then reread for depth.
What are some criticisms of the Pennsylvania System?
Solitary confinement was expensive and didn't prepare inmates for reintegration into society.
What's the takeaway?
The Pennsylvania System, while flawed, helped push the idea of rehabilitation in the prison system.
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