Criminalization Of Crime

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"All crime is symptomatic of mental illness." (Linden, 271) Sociologists in the late 1950's strongly believed this statement accurately described why crime took place. Further research concluded that this was not true. The fact that this was once believed to be the reason behind crime gives us a clear image of just how important mental illness is in regards to criminal behavior. Not all sociologists agree on just how prevalent mental illness is amongst prisoners but there is no denying the facts. A researcher, named Linda Teplin, conducted studies in the early 1990's regarding this issue. Her research found that the prevalence of any mental illness among detainees is anywhere from 16 to 67 percent while the prevalence of severe mental illness …show more content…
In a ten year span, between 1997 and 2007, rates among women rose 61% and rates among men rose 71%. One may think the reason for this is because more people are diagnosed with mental disorders. This in untrue. In fact, there are multiple factors leading to the criminalization of mental disorders. One reason has to do with the deinstitutionalization movement. This movement involved releasing large numbers of patients from psychiatric hospitals. The intent was to allow the patients to be treated in the community. The issue here is lack of community support. It is harder for people with mental illnesses to find work, a place to live, and maintain personal relationships. A number of these people end up homeless. It is estimated that, in Canada, approximately 35% of the homeless population have a mental illness. Homelessness can leave people resorting to criminal acts to …show more content…
Prison is not a suitable place for people with a mental illness to receive treatment. These inmates have a higher risk of becoming victims, acting out, participating in self-harm, and committing suicide. Because of this, these inmates are often kept in isolation and segregated from other inmates. In an interview with CBC news, Catherine Latimer, executive director at the John Howard Society of Canada, said, "Prolonged segregation exacerbates mental health
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