Question

Consider the pros and cons of conjugal visiting. Decide whether you favor or oppose the implementation of conjugal visiting.

Answer 1

A conjugal visit is an agreement in which a prisoner is allowed to have an inmate to spend time with in private, which might include indulgence in sexual activities as well.

The pros of conjugal visits:

1) These visits lead to successful reintegration of the prisoners once their imprisonment is over. The visits make them feel included and confident about the society outside.

2) Studies have shown that these visits lead to better marital relationship and stabilization. It has been found that many married couples undergo divorce during the period of their imprisonment.

3) These visits serve as family time for the prisoners which help them see hope in their condition, which is the implication of positive psychology.

The cons of conjugal visits:

1) The inmates who are not allowed to avail this facility of conjugal visits, feels alientated. This might further boost their criminal nature by developing feelings of anger and jealousy which might further lead to crimes inside prisons.

2) The opponents also believe that these visits are mostly done for the purpose of sexual activities. The unhygeinic conditions in which the prisoner has been living is increase risks of HIV/AIDS, urinary infections, risk of unwanted pregnancies, etc.

3) These visits might also lead to lower self esteem and embarrassments in the inmates infront of their family members and mostly wife. This might lead to negative psychological impacts such as depression, anxiety or even suicide.

Opposing the implementation of conjugal visiting:

A person is sent for an imprisonment as a punishment for the crimes that he has committed. In such a case, if he is allowed to meet up with his spouse in private and have intimate relationships then it will be a loop hole in the system. This is because, the individual would not understand the relevance of staying aloof, alienated and detached which is one of the major concerns of imprisonment.

The aim of an imprisonment is to help somebody become a better human being by realising his faults and its consequences and thereby promising to not repeat it. Now, if a person is allowed to have visitors for private moments too, then he might not understand the relevance of making him stay aloof.

Also this detachment would provide room for the prisoner to introspect and analyse his thought processes and bring changes accordingly. This would lead to realisation of his sense of self and once back he would be able to commence life as a more responsible and loving human being.