Describe the impact of the great penitentiary rivalry on our prison system?

Answer 1

In the 1820's, two variants, the Pennsylvania System and the Auburn System competed for the role of best in the handling of the incarcerated in the US. The silent method of the Pennsylvania System required absolute silence, total lock down in a solitary environment and produced mental problems at a rapid rate. It was espoused by the Quakers who felt that prisoners would be rehabilitated by that system. The Auburn System was seen as more cost effective because it mandated labor which offset the cost of housing. Auburn introduced striped uniforms, the lockstep and harsh punishment for minor infractions. In truth, neither created a model prisoner or one that rehabilitated. The competition continues today between those that believe in long sentences and those that want reform.

Answer 2

The great penitentiary rivalry, primarily between Auburn and Sing Sing prisons in the 19th century, drove prison reforms focused on rehabilitation and isolation of inmates to prevent communication. This rivalry contributed to the development of the Auburn system of silent confinement and the Sing Sing system of individual cells, influencing modern prison design and management practices. The competition between these two institutions highlighted the importance of penal reform and the need for more humane treatment of prisoners.