How Prison and Society are Hardening Prisoners in Africa

Abstract

Prisons are tasked with the correction of the anti-social or criminal behavior of convicted prisoners and safe custody of awaiting trial inmates. This goal, if adequately administered, can reform prisoners and protect the society from criminals. However, the reality in Africa is that the society hardly accept and associate with released prisoners. This attitude, tends to push prisoners into more ravaging crimes, as they feel secluded and stigmatized. This has severe implications for increasing rate of insecurity in Africa.  Although, African prisons have a long and chequered history, their services are marred by administrative challenges. To address this, reforms have been made, yet, the institution remained a potential source of hardening of prisoners. Drawing on qualitative document analysis method and systems input-output analysis and structural-functionalism theories, this article examines the extent to which the African society had contributed to hardening of prisoners. The findings expand discussion on the nexus between the release of prisoners from correctional service, society, and rising cases of insecurity in Africa. The findings also suggest means through which correctional service and society can contribute to reformation of prisoners and peaceful African society.