In the past, approximately two-thirds of released criminals were rearrested within three years (Beck and Shipley). For a long time, people have debated whether criminals should be viewed as inherently harmful or as individuals who can change with support. Traditionally, punishments such as fines or imprisonment have failed to address the root causes of crime—mainly lack of education and social disadvantages. This raises an important question: Should society invest more money in rewarding criminals for successful rehabilitation? From psychological and social-behavioral perspectives, rewarding criminals for their efforts in rehabilitation enhances self-esteem, reduces recidivism, and benefits society economically.
To begin with, psychological rewards can improve criminals’ self-esteem. Many offenders struggle with stigma and low self-efficacy, making it hard to focus on educational or reformative programs. Even small rewards such as praise, certificates, or recognition can rebuild confidence and encourage engagement. According to Sharot, minor positive feedback activates the brain’s “go” signal, which increases motivation and drives productive behavior. Over time, this process fosters intrinsic motivation and helps offenders replace self-loathing with a sense of purpose. Although critics claim that rewards cannot satisfy everyone due to individual differences, offering diverse and personalized incentives in rehabilitation programs can address these concerns. By boosting confidence and motivation, psychological rewards mark the first step toward lasting behavioral change.
Secondly, tangible rewards and education-based programs effectively reduce recidivism. Informational-reward programs such as GED or vocational courses provide offenders with valuable knowledge and a sense of achievement. These programs not only act as external motivators but also foster internal growth and responsibility. According to a RAND Corporation study, prisoners who participated in educational programs were 43% less likely to return to prison (How Prison Education Can Save Taxpayers Money). While some argue that external rewards may overshadow genuine learning, research shows that extrinsic incentives often lead to intrinsic motivation over time (Lui et al.). Therefore, meaningful reward-based programs both reform behavior and prepare offenders for reintegration into society.
Finally, investing in rehabilitation programs benefits society economically. Providing psychological and educational rewards reduces long-term correctional costs, as successful reintegration lowers reoffending rates. RAND reported that every $1 invested in prison education yields a $4–5 reduction in incarceration costs. Moreover, educated ex-offenders are more likely to secure stable jobs and pay taxes, contributing positively to the economy. Although some may object to using taxpayers’ money for criminals, research from CJCC found that each program graduate generates approximately $25,921 in economic benefits (The Estimated Economics Impacts).
Thus, rather than wasting resources on repeated punishment, society gains financially from supporting rehabilitation. In conclusion, spending money on criminals’ successful rehabilitation benefits both offenders and society. Financially supporting reform programs enhances self-esteem, reduces recidivism, and stimulates economic growth. Just as Matthew 6:1–6 teaches that sincere actions bring rewards, genuine efforts toward rehabilitation can produce meaningful change. Small rewards, when used wisely, can transform lives—and ultimately, entire communities.
By. James Yoon
Works Cited
“Accountability Court Program.” Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, cjcc.georgia.gov/grants/grant-subject-areas/criminal-justice/accountability-court-program?utm. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
For More Information Visit Rand at Www.Rand.Org Explore the Rand Corporation, www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR200/RR266/RAND_RR266.sum.pdf. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
“How Prison Education Can Save Taxpayers Money.” Bard Prison Initiative, 18 June 2024, bpi.bard.edu/news-stories/news/how-prison-education-can-save-taxpayers-money/.
Liu, Yuxia, et al. “Do Immediate External Rewards Really Enhance Intrinsic Motivation?” Frontiers, Frontiers, 28 Oct. 2025, www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.853879/full?utm.
OJP, bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/ryp.pdf. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
Public Policy Impacts of Rand’s Correctional Education Research, www.rand.org/education-employment-infrastructure/projects/correctional-education/policy-impact.html. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
Sharot, Tali. “What Motivates Employees More: Rewards or Punishments?” Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 26 Sept. 2017, hbr.org/2017/09/what-motivates-employees-more-rewards-or-punishments.
The Bible. Matthew 6: 1-6.