Question

Provide the definitions for coercive, normative, and remunerative power as they relate to the correctional system. Describe the effects of each type.

Answer 1

Coercive, normative, and remunerative power as they relate to the correctional system and their effects is as follows :

Under coercive power, individuals obtain compliance using the application or by simply threatening to use force physically on an inmate/person in correctional system. This maybe done by physically inflicting pain, restricting movement or controlling the daily life activities of the person in question. The use of coercive force however varies in various correctional institutions.

Under the normative perspective, the influence is based on application of moral and just practices on the inmate. So, by applying rules fair and consistently, compliance of people in correctional institutions is assumed or achieved. So, the people in correctional systems are treated fairly as per the law to instil a compliant behaviour. An example for this would be to give a person a leadership role like making an inmate head of a group of people. It gives him a symbolic reward in terms of boost to self esteem.

Remunerative power uses the exchange of material resources as a method to obtain compliance. An example of its usage in correctional facilities is : if someone behaves properly, they are given duties as per their preference.