BREAKING THE CYCLE: ADDRESSING CHRONIC UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG RETURNING PRISONERS

The abstract of the manuscript discusses the significance of employment and work ethic in the United States, emphasizing its role in shaping cultural values and individual identities. It explores the historical development of a work-centered culture, driven by factors like the growth of capitalism, the decline of non-wage labor, and the emergence of a middle-class. The manuscript also delves into the societal consequences of job loss, such as substance abuse, mental health issues, and the importance of acquiring new skills in the face of changing job markets. Work is presented as a fundamental element of a person's existence, and its impact on individual lives is a critical subject in the social sciences.