Assignment Task: Self Reflection is an important ongoing process for all those working with offenders. Do you think some people are born bad OR are they born with a blank slate and their behaviour is therefore an outcome of their upbringing and life experiences? Those of you doing Psychology have probably addressed this question. However, what is your opinion - is human behaviour a consequence of "nature" or "nurture"?
AND does your position impact on your opinion of rehabilitation. Does it work? Should society spend all this time, effort and resources on trying to "fix offenders" given the high level of recidivism that persists. Is the rehabilitation approach being "soft on crime". Do you agree with Robert Martinson's seminal conclusion that 'nothing works'?