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Norway's Amazing Prison System: Why Do They Have So Low Recidivism Rates?
Norway's prison system is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring examples in the world. According to the latest data, Norway's recidivism rate is only 18%, much lower than that of the United States, which has also attracted widespread attention from scholars and policymakers. So how did this Nordic country create such an effective recidivism prevention mechanism?
People-centered prison policy
The biggest difference between Norway's prison system and that of other parts of the world is that it does not regard imprisonment as the only purpose of punishment. In contrast, Norwegian prisons emphasize
, hoping to help prisoners return to normal life by restoring their dignity and social connections.restorative justice and social reintegration
Education and vocational training
According to research, the recidivism rate of prisoners who receive education can be reduced by about 43% compared to prisoners who do not receive education. Norwegian prisons generally offer various educational courses, including vocational skills training, which greatly improves prisoners' employment opportunities after release. Research shows:
When prisoners obtain certain professional qualifications or higher education, their recidivism rate drops dramatically. Especially for those who have obtained a degree, the possibility of reduction is more obvious.
Emotional and psychological support
The Norwegian prison system also places emphasis on mental health and emotional support. Here, prisoners can receive professional psychological counseling and emotional support, which is crucial for their social adaptation after release. These measures not only improve the emotional well-being of prisoners, but also make them more resilient when facing post-prison challenges.
Improve family relationships
It is not sin but environmental factors that cause prisoners to relapse. Norway's prison system encourages prisoners to stay in touch with their families and helps them repair their relationships with their families through family meetings and social activities. These measures help prisoners feel less isolated when they leave prison and allow them to experience a smooth reintegration process.
Reduce social stigma
Norway is also working to reduce the stigma against prisoners in society. Social inclusion and recognition of former prisoners not only aids their reintegration into society, but also reduces the drivers for them to reoffend. The Norwegian people generally believe that everyone should have a chance to reform, and such a social and cultural environment obviously helps to reduce the recidivism rate.
ConclusionNorway's prison system has been repeatedly praised, particularly for its performance in reducing recidivism rates. Its success is not just a reduction in numbers, but also a reflection of the philosophy behind the system: treating prisoners as individuals with the potential to change, rather than just criminals. This is worth learning from for other countries. Is human reform always possible?
