What characterizes the piece-price system?

The piece-price system is characterized by a model in which inmates produce goods for private businesses under prison supervision. In this system, the emphasis is on contract work where prisoners complete specific tasks for which they are compensated based on the amount of work they produce. This approach allows for private businesses to utilize inmate labor while also enabling inmates to gain some form of monetary compensation, albeit usually at a much lower rate than typical wages outside of prison.

This system is distinct from others that focus on salaries, education, or community integration. The fixed salary model does not match the piece-price system since it suggests a consistent pay structure regardless of output. Similarly, while inmate education and community work integration are valuable components of correctional programming, they do not capture the essence of the piece-price system, which is predominantly centered on productivity linked to private industry needs.