LE3 .A278 1996

1996

Thomson, Tony

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

Sociology

Sociology

This thesis is an exploration of the nature and consequences of recreational sports programmes in the federal prison system of Canada. Data were collected by interviewing a convenience sample of sixteen inmates and three Corrections Officers, having informal discussions with inmates and staff, and observing recreational practices, in four male Canadian federal prisons. Four key issues were identified: the effect of participating in prison sports, the rehabilitation of the inmates and social control within the institution, the cost of implementing sports programming, and the wider issue of prisoners' rights concerning their use of recreational time. Analysis of the data shows that recreational sports programmes play an important role in the social control of male prisons. Other findings show that these programmes are beneficial to inmates during their incarceration in a number of ways. Most respondents claimed that involvement in recreational sports reduced stress and/or frustration, alleviated boredom, increased self-esteem, helped in the establishment of goals and a routine, and assisted inmates in developing friendships. Both inmate and staff concluded that prison recreational sports did not contribute to additional aggression and were essential components of the prison regime. Recreation can be seen as a fundamental component of any healthy lifestyle and, hence, it is argued that recreation opportunities should be provided for those incarcerated.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2826