Mechanisms Behind Substance Abuse and Rugby. Lessons from a Field Experiment with Incarcerated Offenders

Revista Desarrollo y Sociedad (Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia), 69, 73-97.

33 Pages Posted: 3 Mar 2017

See all articles by Alexander Castleton

Alexander Castleton

University of Montevideo

Alejandro Cid

University of Montevideo - Department of Economics

Date Written: February 23, 2012

Abstract

There are a broad range of rehabilitation programs but results differ significantly among them, from positive to no-effect programs – and even to negative-effect programs. Hence, in order to guide policy, it is necessary to find out the features that should be present in programs for inmates to guarantee positive effects. We used a random assignment to evaluate an innovative rehabilitation program – rugby classes offered by players of the national team – for incarcerated offenders in an overcrowded prison in Uruguay. We find the program positively influences inmates’ behavior, lowering the consumption of drugs. Also, studying the mechanisms behind these findings, our results suggest that the program fosters healthier conduct and positive social attitudes. After studying the criminogenic attitudes addressed by this rugby program, we suggest lines for policy.

Keywords: prison, rehabilitation, impact evaluation, randomized experiment

JEL Classification: I38, I28

Suggested Citation

Castleton, Alexander and Cid, Alejandro, Mechanisms Behind Substance Abuse and Rugby. Lessons from a Field Experiment with Incarcerated Offenders (February 23, 2012). Revista Desarrollo y Sociedad (Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia), 69, 73-97., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2926522

Alexander Castleton

University of Montevideo ( email )

C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-Ville
Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7
Uruguay

Alejandro Cid (Contact Author)

University of Montevideo - Department of Economics ( email )

Prudencio de Pena 2440
Montevideo, CP 11600
Uruguay

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