Which religious group pioneered humanistic ideas in America and influenced correctional reform?

• A. Quakers
• B. Puritans
• C. Catholics
• D. Anglicans

Answer: (A)

Focusing on humane treatment and the possibility of rehabilitation in the justice system is what this item is testing. Quakers, the Society of Friends, stressed equality, nonviolence, and that every person has an inner light that can lead to moral change. These beliefs translated into a practical concern for treating prisoners with dignity, avoiding harsh punishments, and pursuing reform and reintegration rather than revenge. In early America, this emphasis helped shape prison practices and broader correctional ideas toward rehabilitation, education, and moral development, influencing how offenders were treated and how reform could be pursued. Other groups in the period often emphasized strict discipline or conformity, so the distinctive humanistic push for reform tied to Quaker ideals stands out as the key influence.