Why Do We Have Private Prisons? | Origin of Everything

PBS Learning Media
Contributed By
PBS Learning Media
Resource Type
Classroom Material
Keywords
prisons private prison incarceration injustice criminal justice educational history crime reform rehabilitation Origin of Everything mass incarceration prison industrial complex public policy penal system US penal system criminal justice system privatized prisons racial bias criminal justice reform prison reform Dorothea Dix prison labor forced labor convict labor chain gangs African Americans racial disparity unequal justice Southern States Reconstruction War on Drugs Sentencing Reform Act psychiatric hospitals deinstitutionalization non-violent crime non-violent offenders
Subjects
Civic and Political Institutions History-Social Science U.S. History
Grade Levels
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
Related Resources

Why Do We Have Private Prisons? | Origin of Everything

The United States imprisons more people than any other country in the world. Explore why so many Americans are incarcerated and why we've turned to private prisons to hold that population in this episode from Origin of Everything.

About the Author: Terry Kawi is a middle school ELA teacher and instructional coach in the Bay Area, and has created these support materials. She holds a bachelor of art’s degree in history from UC Davis and master’s degree in teaching secondary English from USC. As a ninth-year teacher, she prioritizes community, critical literacy, and student-centered learning.
Publisher
PBS Learning Media

Unfortunately, we were unable to load the necessary assets to access this site.
Try reloading the page to verify your network is still working.

If the problem persists, please verify that https://cdn.caeducatorstogether.org/ is not blocked by your network firewall. You may need to reach out to your agency's Network/IT support staff to get access.

For any questions or further assistance please contact us at caetsupport@kern.org