College Should Be More Like Prison-Your imagination could conjure up two quite distinct pictures when you hear the terms “college” and “prison.” Many people identify college with newfound independence, the chance to develop personally, and the desire to learn. On the other hand, incarceration is commonly associated with these negative connotations. 

In this alternative view, however, we will consider the possibility that jail culture may benefit higher education.

The Structure of College

The Routine and Rules

There are numerous similarities between university life and that of a jail. Both educational and institutional settings are highly regimented, routine-driven places. Schedules, homework, and due dates must be adhered to in college. Academic achievement relies on this framework just as much as incarceration does.

The Surveillance

Students in higher education are not subject to the same amount of invasive monitoring as those in prison. Attendance and grades are tracked by teachers and advisers to ensure that students are following all regulations. Although less intrusive than jail, this level of monitoring can help instill a feeling of personal accountability.

Preparing for Real-Life

Responsibility and Accountability

Better preparing students for the obligations of the real world is an argument for making college more like jail. People in jail learn the hard way about taking responsibility for their acts and the terrible repercussions of their decisions. The intellectual and personal responsibilities that students incur in college might serve as a microcosm of this reality.

Adapting to a Regimen

Students can learn to thrive in highly regulated environments, such as a jail, by attending college. Keeping to a schedule has been shown to boost efficiency and success in the real world. College can help students succeed in the workforce by encouraging them to develop this habit.

The Social Aspect

Forced Social Interaction

Forced social engagement is a common feature of both prisons and universities. College life has many opportunities for students to work with a culturally and racially diverse peer group. This is reminiscent of the relationships that occur naturally in jail, when people from all walks of life are thrown together. Mastering how to function in such contexts socially is a crucial ability.

Building Relationships

Although jail and university may not seem like the most likely venues to meet new people and develop relationships, they both provide people with the chance to do so. Students can build bonds with one another that are just as powerful at college as they are behind bars.

Conclusion

College Should Be More Like Prison-In this unorthodox view, we considered the possibility that university life could be structured more like a jail. Students can benefit from college’s organized atmosphere, accountability, and required social contacts in preparing them for the obligations of the real world. Incorporating certain elements of discipline and structure may be beneficial to students in the long run, but it is essential to preserve the distinctive features that make college a place of personal growth and study.

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FAQs About College Should Be More Like Prison

Isn’t comparing college to prison a bit extreme? 

The analogy may seem far-fetched, but it serves to emphasize the merits of bringing prison-like discipline and responsibility into the university environment.

Does this mean we should restrict students’ freedom in college? 

Absolutely not. The goal is not to stifle individual liberty, but rather to find a happy medium between freedom and structure that allows for the development of mature, responsible citizens.

How can college prepare students for real-life challenges without becoming too rigid? 

With its emphasis on individual growth and the pursuit of knowledge, college is ideally suited to help students acquire these skills.

Are there any potential downsides to making college more structured?

Finding a happy medium is crucial. Finding the correct balance between freedom and discipline is essential for both professional and personal development.

What can students do to benefit from the structure in college?

College provides a regimented setting in which students may cultivate lifelong assets like discipline, self-control, and supportive social networks.