Explain one way in which the use of prison as a punishment in the years c1700-c1900 was different from the use of prison as a punishment in the years c1900-present. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1

One significant way in which the use of prison as a punishment changed between the years c1700-c1900 and c1900-present is in its approach to rehabilitation.

In the earlier period, c1700-c1900, prisons were primarily viewed as places of punishment and retribution. Inmates were often subjected to harsh conditions, hard labor, and minimal oversight aimed purely at punishment, rather than fostering rehabilitation. As a result, prisons became overcrowded and often failed to provide any meaningful reintegration skills for inmates.

In contrast, from c1900 onward, the philosophy of incarceration began to shift towards rehabilitation and reform. This period saw the introduction of various programs designed to help prisoners reintegrate into society. The conditions within prisons began to improve, with a focus on providing education and vocational training to inmates, as well as psychological counseling. Such changes were rooted in the belief that addressing the underlying issues that led to criminal behavior was more effective in reducing recidivism.

Overall, this evolution in the use of prisons reflects a broader change in societal attitudes towards crime and punishment, highlighting the move from purely punitive measures to a more rehabilitative focus.