The influence of correctional education, skill proficiency, and lifelong learning on social outcomes of incarcerated individuals: Results from PIAAC. Issue 3 (3rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Galeshi, Roofia; Bolin, Riane M.
• Is Part Of: Social science journal. Volume 59:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 424
• Page End: 438
• Publication Date: 2022-07-03
• Subjects: Correctional education -- Social outcomes -- Human capital -- Adult skill proficiency -- Social capital; Social sciences -- Periodicals; 300.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.soscij.2019.09.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0362-3319

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A rich body of scientific research suggests a positive relationship between education and social and political engagement. Active social engagement is important for incarcerated individuals if they are to successfully reintegrate into communities and desist from further involvement in crime. While a plethora of research has focused on the importance of correctional education, the extent of association between other forms of human capital such as cognitive skills and adult lifelong learning is unclear. The current study utilized data from the U.S. PIAAC Prison Study (2014 ) to explore the relationship between educational attainment, adult cognitive skill proficiency, lifelong learning, and social outcomes among incarcerated individuals. At least one of the three types of human capital variables included was found to be positively and significantly related to the three social outcomes of political efficacy, interpersonal trust, and health perception, even after controlling for the other two human capital variables and a number of demographics, demonstrating that each has its own, distinct contribution to social outcomes. Policy implications regarding these findings are discussed.