The 1978 MTV program Scared Straight' was a juvenile crime deterrence effort whereby kids of varying ages visit inmates and experience a front-row into the "realities " of prison life. The basic is premise is simply how it seems; hopefully, hardened criminal inmates can scare children who are labeled at-risk for future jail time enough to prevent them from committing future crimes " "to scare them straight ". .
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There are different theories in sociology which offer different perspectives or models of understanding for society. In other words, there are many way with which to view the world. .
Conflict Theory asserts that people are engaged in a constant struggle for power. Groups compete for advantages and social disorder would ensue if not for a proper legal structure and enforcement. It also holds that notwithstanding, individuals and groups engage in conflict every day to gain power at the expense of others in society. Conflict theorists believe that the conflict between different groups, such as classes, is inevitable in any social society. Conflict Theory focuses on why governments make and enforce rules of law. It places a special focus on the laws themselves to prevent crime and social disorder from occurring. In this way, a delinquency prevention program makes sense.
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The audience in Scared Straight consists of a decidedly middle-class pool of children. The economic and social characteristics of the children appear to be carefully-chosen in order to provide the largest possible representation of demographics which may watch the show. Virtually all of the kids are dressed up in some form or another - some have colored shirts, all are well-groomed, free of tattoos, etc. The children are in their teens, and both genders are represented. It can be noted that one (likely more) of the children was enrolled in the program because he had stolen $20. .
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Clues to the identity of the teenagers surface as the show progresses.