Barriers to Re-entry
Do they deserve a second chance? And when they do, is there a chance of coming back to the economy? It's difficult for ex-prisoners, even those who have better, to be fully accepted back into society---just imagine the ones who were wrongfully convicted.
Ex-prisoners face significant stigma and discrimination in the job market. A person with a criminal record is often perceived as dangerous, dishonest and incompetent, leading to social exclusion---even for first-time offenders (Bushway et al, 2011). This stigma is even stronger than that faced by individuals with mental illness (Sciencedirect, 2019). When hiring ex-offenders, employers frequently worry about their social skills and the possible negative customer reactions, which results in discriminatory hiring practices (Giguere and Dundes, 2002).
Racial profiling has already resulted in discrimination against African Americans; just think of those with criminal histories. A study found that white applicants without criminal records had a 34% callback rate. For African Americans, the disparity was even more pronounced: a 17% callback rate (Pager, 2003). This highlights the compounded higher barriers to employment for African Americans ex-prisoners.
A Need of 2nd Attempt
People grow from their errors---Isn't that what gives society flavor? Giving ex-prisoners a second chance is not only a matter of justice but also of economic sense. When ex-prisoners are reintegrated into society, they contribute to the economy in various ways. They become taxpayers, consumers, and productive members of society. This not only reduces the burden on the criminal justice system but also boosts economic growth (Vera, 2023). Â
Allowing ex-prisoners to reintegrate into the economy is a strategic move to increase the labor participation rate. By providing jobs to ex-prisoners, we not only free them from forced labor but also strengthen the overall workforce. This can lead to a more prosperous and inclusive society. After all, they have managed the ramen economy quite successfully.
Figure 2 showcases the Wage-setting model, which explains the relationship between the labor force/employment and unemployment. The labor force consists of the working-age population who are actively seeking jobs. With ex-prisoners being reintegrated to the economy, the employment rate will increase. Where an initial unemployment of 12%, reduces to 5% due to ex-prisoners reintegration to society as laborers. The firm's profit-maximizing wage is therefore higher.
Trial to ChangeÂ
As ex-prisoners return home--- they become someone's coworkers, friends, and neighbors. Norway has its own way to turn criminals into friendly neighbors. Norway has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the world by shifting its punitive "lock-up" punishment to rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Prisoners are invited to rehabilitation activities like yoga classes at Norway's maximum security 'Halden Prison', where practicing the lotus position at peace (BBC, 2019)
