Class Prisons and Social Reintegration

The course unit “Prisons and Social Reintegration” examines the role of prisons and the challenges of reintegrating individuals deprived of liberty. Its scope includes analyzing the prison system not only as a space of punishment but also of rehabilitation and preparation for life in society. The field of action focuses on institutional practices, legal frameworks, and social strategies that foster reintegration. The domains of intervention cover public policies, support programs, psychosocial follow-up, and community networks. The relevance of this unit lies in the articulation of criminal, social, and legal studies, offering students a critical and interdisciplinary understanding of the impact of prisons and the paths toward building citizenship.

Not applicable

Module I. History of the Prison System Prison as an ideological system Prison, social policies, and penal policies Policies for the enforcement of sentences and custodial measures Prison reforms in Portugal and Human Rights Module II. The Concept of (Re)Social Reintegration Adaptation to prison and desocialization (Re)Social reintegration: from normalization to reintegration. Strategies of (re)integration Prison treatment and (re)social reintegration Promotion of inmates’ social and emotional skills The importance of post-imprisonment: evaluation and treatment

The course unit employs innovative teaching methodologies, combining theoretical lectures, case analysis, and experiential learning. It includes the participation of specialists in specific subjects, providing students with in-depth perspectives on topics such as penal policies, social reintegration, and human rights. The program also features a class taught at a rehabilitation institution, such as O Companheiro, IPSS, allowing direct contact with intervention practices and observation of reintegration processes. This approach promotes the connection between theory and practice, encourages critical and interdisciplinary reflection, develops professional and social skills, and strengthens students’ understanding of the impact of prison policies and reintegration strategies on inmates and the wider community.

Cullen, F. T., Jonson, C. L., & Nagin, D. S. (2023). Prisons and social reintegration: Contemporary approaches and challenges. Oxford University Press. Farkas, M. A., & Smith, P. (2022). Reentry and rehabilitation: Evidence-based practices in criminal justice. Routledge. Lösel, F., & Schmucker, M. (2021). The effectiveness of correctional treatment: A meta-analysis. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 17(4), 567–594. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-021-09470-2 McNeill, F., & Weaver, B. (2020). Crime, justice and social reintegration. Palgrave Macmillan. Portugal. Ministério da Justiça. (2021). Relatório sobre a execução de penas e medidas privativas da liberdade. Lisboa: Direção-Geral de Reinserção e Serviços Prisionais. Travis, J., & Western, B. (2020). Prisoner reentry in the 21st century: Policy and practice. Cambridge University Press.