Rehabilitation and Economic Self-Interest

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Abstract
For two hundred years the classical doctrine of self-interest has served as a broad philosophical base for the capitalistic system of the Western world. This study suggests that capitalism may be used as a model for the design of a modern prison system in which the economic incentive of self-interest is used to rehabilitate inmates. Under the capitalistic system, avarice is the motivating force that directs man's activity. Self-interest provides the production that society requires and desires. By seeking to maximize his gain, each man provides for the total good. He is paid for behavior that society desires and is not paid if he fails to cooperate with society. Individuals try to please society because doing so serves their selfish interests. In the prison model developed, the individual would be fined a set sum of money as a penalty for his crime. He would be required to pay the stated sum to obtain release from prison. The inmate must earn, from activities within the prison system, all of the wealth needed for his release. The prison authorities would control the means by which inmates could acquire wealth. For example, a "cooperative payment" would be earned for partici pation in rehabilitation programs or for work in the prison factory. Economic incentives can create a highly motivated indi vidual if he is earning to buy a product he wants, such as release from prison. From the perspective of society, the "exploitation payment" required from the prisoner in order to gain freedom is punishment, but, from the vantage point of the inmate, it is a reward for correct responses while in prison. The "exploitation payment" becomes the mechanism that allows a compromise between those who demand punishment and those who seek rehabilitation.

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