Prison Environment and Conditions Affect Recidivism Rates — Norway and South Africa

Harsh prison conditions and lack of rehabilitation and reintegration programs in South African prisons reflect the high recidivism rates in the country. South African prisoners are subject to inhumane conditions such as overcrowding and health concerns, violations of human rights, and are stripped of their dignity. Paired with social stigma against those who have been incarcerated, these inhumane conditions lead to poor reintegration and higher recidivism rates. This research project advocates for prison reform focusing on rehabilitation, reintegration, and improved facility conditions. There are multiple examples of competent and humane prisons in the world, such as Norway’s correctional institutions, which have been long standing advocates for prison reform. Norwegian prisons implement services that include rehabilitation, vocational, educational, and therapeutic programs. These services have proven to lower recidivism rates and improve overall quality of life in prisons including a smooth transition back into society. Since the development of this revised prison system in Norway in the 1990’s, recidivism rates have dropped from 70% to 20% in 2023. When comparing this to South Africa’s recidivism rate of 86%-94% there is no evidence to suggest that harsher punishment and confinement conditions reduce recidivism. Unlike South African prisons, Norwegian facilities have an emphasis on creating and maintaining a humane environment that mimics daily life and improves mental health outcomes.