Game Theory and its Application to Penology

Abstract

Game theory is the study of the interactions that occur between rational decision-makers and the dynamics that influence strategic behaviors. Paramount to this approach is the realization that an individual’s decisions are often influenced by the actions and/or anticipated actions of others. Of particular importance is Game Theory’s capacity to explain the prison’s disinterest and seeming inability to successfully promote offender rehabilitation. Herein the relationship existing between prisons and prisoners is viewed as a “game” designed to prevent an inmate “win”. As such, contemporary prisoners have (in protest) chosen to oppose all forms of correctional intervention even when doing so is personally detrimental. DOI: 10.5958/2347-6869.2018.00015.