Answer:
Current views of incarceration in the United States significantly differ from those in the mid-twentieth century in several key ways:
1. The goals of incarceration. In the past, prisons were viewed mainly as places of punishment and retribution. Today, there is a greater focus on rehabilitation, reentry and reducing recidivism through education, job training, treatment programs and more humane conditions.
2. Awareness of racial disparities. There is much greater recognition now of the disproportionate impact of the criminal justice system and imprisonment on minorities, especially African Americans. This has led to a critical reexamination of policies and practices.
3. Alternatives to incarceration. There is growing use of diversion programs, community supervision, drug courts and other alternatives to prison for nonviolent offenders. This seeks to reduce prison populations and costs while still achieving public safety goals.
4. Treatment of inmates. Conditions of confinement and access to programming and services have improved over time, though problems still exist. There is increased recognition of prisoners' basic human rights and dignity.
5. Views on length of sentencing. Long mandatory minimum and "three strikes" sentences are now seen as overly harsh by many. There are calls for shorter sentences, more parole options and greater focus on rehabilitation.
So in summary, while imprisonment is still viewed as necessary in many cases, there are significant differences in goals, awareness of injustice, alternatives utilized, treatment of inmates and optimal length of sentencing compared to mid-20th century perspectives. Rehabilitation, reentry planning and cost-effectiveness have become larger priorities.