Abstract
This independent study examines and empirically tests the effects of the privatization of prisons in the United States corrections sector. The theoretical framework performs a comparative institutional assessment of the incentives behind the organizational structure of private and public prison systems. This conceptual model is then operationalized to empirically test prisoner recidivism, prison populations, and prison admissions under public and private prison regimes. The findings suggest that the occurrence of private prisons can incentivize higher prison populations through increases in admissions and recidivism, and lower prisoner welfare through overcrowding. This study unveils a misalignment between public and private prison objectives that leads to inferior economic outcomes in private institutions.
Advisor
Histen, Joe
Second Advisor
Wang, Gang
Department
Business Economics
Recommended Citation
Brim, Ian, "The Privatization of a Public Industry: A Study on Private Prisons in the United States and the Effects on Prisoners" (2018). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 7882.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/7882
Disciplines
Organizational Behavior and Theory
Publication Date
2018
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2018 Ian Brim