The Lesser of Two Evils? A Qualitative Study of Offenders' Preferences for Prison Compared to Alternatives

Authors

• Alisha Williams, Eastern Kentucky University
• David C. May, Eastern Kentucky University
• Peter B. Wood, Mississippi State University

ORCID

May: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8275-6773

MSU Affiliation

College of Arts and Sciences; Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work; Social Science Research Center

Creation Date

2026-06-01

Abstract

Recent work has demonstrated that many offenders will choose to serve prison rather than any amount of a community-based sanction. This primarily quantitative research has found that offender-generated exchange rates are influenced by a wide variety of experiences and characteristics. Missing from this literature is a qualitative evaluation of why offenders might make this choice. We present qualitative data from 618 probationers and parolees to explain why those who have experienced imprisonment are less willing to serve community sanctions than their counterparts, and more willing to serve prison. Results hold implications for deterrence, recidivism, rehabilitation, and correctional policy issues. © 2008 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved.

Publication Date

10-24-2008

Publication Title

Journal of Offender Rehabilitation

Publisher

Taylor and Francis Group; Routledge

First Page

71

Last Page

90

Recommended Citation

Williams, A., May, D. C., & Wood, P. B. (2008). The Lesser of Two Evils? A Qualitative Study of Offenders’ Preferences for Prison Compared to Alternatives. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 46(3–4), 71–90. https://doi.org/10.1080/10509670802143318