Evaluation

• + it is shown to be decreasing in disciplinary incidents among prisoners. Dowden and Brown (2002) found out it’s associated with significant reductions in rule violations.
• + Participants in token economies leads to improved institutional behaviour. Blackburn et al (2008) found that prisoners involved in token economies demonstrated with better adherence to institutional rules and regulations.
• + increase inmate motivation to engage in positive behaviours. Murray et al found that prisoners were more likely to participate in educational and vacational program.
• -Long term behaviour change: while some studies suggest short-term improvement in behaviour, there is limited evidence on the long-term effectiveness of token economies in sustaining positive behavioural changed post- release. Wexler et al (1999) found out that even criminals are participating in token economies the behaviour diminishes over time.
• -Critics argue that inmates have too many privileges such as access of tv, libraries and etc. in 2022 65% population of British population reported that prisoners are too soft. Suggesting that privileges are not aligned with the publics perception of what is an appropriate punishment for criminal behaviour.
• -criminals may become dependent on the government because they are basically getting taken care of by the government. This makes criminals repeat crimes to go back there.
• -token economy can lead to resentment from other inmates who do not receive tokens or rewards. Inmates might feel like they are being treated unfairly which could cause tension between them.