Meaning and meaninglessness of education for convicts. Selected aspects of education for convicts in Poland and in Europe

Abstract

During the process of social re-adaptation of convicts, education and work come as exceptionally significant factors. The lack of education makes social re-adaptation more difficult and it can also contribute vastly to recidivism. Acquired qualifications and professional competences decrease the risk of unemployment and they reinforce economic independence of convicts. They become tools which can be applied to prevent social exclusion and boredom. The significance of prison education and work for convicts is reflected in directives and penitentiary policies of many European countries, including Poland. The aim of prison education is to increase chances for successful social re-adaptation, improvement of moral attitudes in convicts and their self-respect.

Keywords

• Education
• Convicts
• Re-integration
• Penitentiary measures
• Social re-adaptation
• Social rehabilitation