SOCIAL REINTEGRATION OF PRISONERS THROUGH WORK. PRISON PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47743/asas-2025-1-808Keywords:
prison system, social reintegration, offenders, prison labor, public-private partnership, prison legislation, recidivismAbstract
This research explores how work activities carried out in Oradea Penitentiary contribute to the resocialization of inmates, highlighting the collaboration between the prison system and the private sector. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study is based on interviews with nine prison police officers and two local entrepreneurs directly involved in prisoners' labour activities. The study thus identifies mechanisms through which work serves not only as a disciplinary tool but also as a mediator between prison life and social reintegration. Partnerships with companies can generate reciprocal benefits, both financial and as a means of acquiring new professional qualifications, while employers gain access to a stable workforce. However, obstacles such as stigmatization, post-release difficulties (lack of ID documents/shelter), and rigid legal frameworks undermine the potential for post-release social reintegration. The conclusions emphasize the need for efficient inter-institutional coordination where authorities, employers, and the community ensure facilitation of the reintegration process.
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