How did research in the 1980s and 1990s affect views about rehabilitation programs?

Following widespread criticism of rehabilitation in the United States during the 1970s, the perspective on such programs shifted significantly during the 1980s and 1990s. Research conducted during these two decades demonstrated that carefully implemented rehabilitation programs could effectively reduce recidivism. This evidence helped the concept gain greater acceptance within the field of penology.

Despite this renewed support, critics remained concerned about the potential for abuse inherent in programs that granted prison administrators significant discretion. Specifically, there were objections to sentencing structures that allowed officials to determine an offender's release based on subjective assessments of their progress. Such authority sometimes led to instances where individuals were detained for extended periods for minor crimes, particularly if they were unable or unwilling to adopt a subservient attitude toward those in positions of authority.1