A Survey of Reformative Influences in Borstal Training

Leitch, Alexander (1940) A Survey of Reformative Influences in Borstal Training. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The object of this study is to attempt to evaluate the influences acting on the aveage lad undergoing Borstral training. An endeavour has been made to combine the investigators viewpoint with the viewpoint of the lads themselves. It is hoped by this means to get a truer picture of the conditions as experienced by the lads, to evaluate the influences impinging on the inmates as far as possible, and to try to ascertain in what directions the way to further improvements in the system may lie. It may be contended that subjective impressions do not make reliable data on which to base far reaching conclusions. While there is much truth in this, it must be conceded that, if, say forty lads out of a hundred feel in much the same way about a certain matter, their point of view, or attitude, towards it must be respected, and taken into consideration since it is bound to influence thir conduct; and the more important the matter at issue, the more consideration must we give to the lads' attitude towards it, if we are hoping to modify his conduct in the outside world when he is ultimately released. It is not intended merely to accept the lads' point of view, or attitude, towards certain things. This would obviously be impossible as we are all creatures of impulse, much of whose consuct is actuated by unconcious motivations and urges. This basic truth is insuffcient for the shortcomings of one another. Such an attitude of toleration can be best derived from a deeper knowledge and insight into the workings of the minds of our fellow men, and an appreciation that trivial incidents which may mean nothing to ourselves, may be charged with dynamite for a more evident than in the handling of bodies of men by individuals such as prison or Borstal officers, where a few tactless words may raise a storm of resentment and discord.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Criminology
• Date of Award: 1940
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1940-80232
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 31 Mar 2020 09:09
• Last Modified: 31 Mar 2020 09:09
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/80232