Final answer:
Control over time in prisons refers to the strict regulations governing the daily life of inmates, including their schedules and activities. This concept has evolved throughout American history, impacted by various political and social movements, and continues to be a topic of debate concerning the balance between punishment and rehabilitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Control over time within the context of prisons can be defined as the mechanisms and policies by which the schedule, activities, and daily life of incarcerated individuals are regulated and managed by the corrections system. Prisons largely determine the when and how of inmates' lives, from when they wake up, to when and what they eat, to when they go to bed. This control extends to the management of work assignments, educational opportunities, and recreational activities. Prisons can vary significantly in how they exert control based on the severity of inmates' crimes, their behavior, and the resources available to the institution.
The history of prisons in America is marked by a shift in focus over time, with early penitentiaries aiming for moral redemption through religious instruction and isolation, while modern corrections systems take on varying approaches such as incapacitation, rehabilitation, and restoration. The discourse surrounding prison control has been heavily influenced by the political climate, such as the 'get tough on crime' ethos that gained momentum in the late 20th century, leading to higher incarceration rates. Moreover, the war on drugs led to an exponential increase in incarceration rates in the United States.
Currently, there is an ongoing debate regarding how control over time and the prison experience as a whole should be structured to balance the goals of punishment and rehabilitation. Some advocate for a harsher regime to deter crime, while others call for a system that better facilitates the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.