Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting Reintegration of Discharged Prisoners in Anambra State, South East, Nigeria

Abstract

In recent time, recidivism has not only been on the increase in sub- Saharan Africa, but has become a major social problem to the society, governments, multinational humanitarian organizations and the world over. Discharged prisoners find it difficult to reintegrate into the society because of some social and cultural factors which seem to inhibit all efforts geared towards their rehabilitation and reintegration. It is against this background that this paper aimed at examining the socio-cultural factors affecting the rehabilitation and reintegration of discharged prisoners in Anambra state. This study was anchored on two theoretical premises; the rehabilitation and ecological theories. The rehabilitation theory was adopted to drive home the correctional philosophy of the modern prison system which emphasizes treatment of offenders rather than punishment. Ecological theory brings out the significant influence environmental factors have on individual’s behavior. Implicit in the Ecological theory is the idea that reintegration of discharged prisoners may become nearly impossible if the environment is not conducive for discharged prisoners. It is important to reconstruct environment that supports individual’s post incarceration needs, so that the society can prevent multiple offenses and reduce recidivism rates and crime. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n10p775