Question

Why did the Pennsylvania system become the dominant prison design?

1) Because it was cheaper and more profitable for the state
2) Because it was more effective in rehabilitating prisoners
3) Because it had better security measures
4) Because it was supported by the majority of the public

Answer 1

The Pennsylvania system focused on the rehabilitation of prisoners through isolation and moral instruction, reflecting a shift in the approach to punishment and crime in the nineteenth century.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Pennsylvania system became the dominant prison design due to its focus on rehabilitating prisoners. Reformers in the nineteenth century believed that through hard work, religious instruction, and isolation from societal vices, criminals and debtors could be morally redeemed. This system was the result of changing attitudes towards punishment and reform, with an aim to transform criminals into law-abiding citizens. The design of the Pennsylvania system emphasized solitary confinement to prevent contamination from other inmates and to encourage personal reflection and penitence. Contrary to this, the overall trend in the U.S. prison system, especially from the 1970s onwards, revolved around punitive measures rather than rehabilitation due to political pressures for tougher crime measures and the economic incentives involved in maintaining high incarceration rates.