Kamika Patel was a summer intern for Wisconsin Humanities while also participating in a study abroad program in Norway. Now a senior, she is double majoring in International Studies and Communication Arts and pursuing certificates in Educational Policy and Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While studying at the university in Norway, she took classes and spoke with experts to learn more about the country's relatively recent shift in policy around incarceration. In this personal essay, Kamika reflects on the differences and considers the advantages.
Thanks for reading. Listen to episode 1, "Death-defying feats,' here.
Freedom with Responsibility: Lessons from Norwegian Prisons, by Kamika Patel
Norway has 58 prisons and approximately 4,000 cells to hold close to 4,000 incarcerated individuals. In comparison, the United States prison system incarcerates almost two million people across 1,566 state prisons, 98 federal prisons, 3,116 local jails, 1,323 juvenile correctional facilities, 181 immigration detention facilities, and 80 Indian country jails. Therefore, the U.S. imprisons more people per capita than any other country, at a rate of 700 per 100,000, while in Norway, it is 66 per 100,000. I have been thinking about this stark difference as I study at the University of Oslo while working on a podcast that focuses on the U.S. prison system.
I am a UW student on a scholarship program studying in Norway during the summer term to learn more about Nordic culture and history through academic coursework and social engagement. In my studies, I heavily focus on the welfare state and its model implemented across the Nordic countries. Having this opportunity to comparatively study various social issues and how they are approached in the region has been an enlightening experience as I think about how those issues are prevalent in the U.S.
Simultaneously, I wanted to pursue a remote internship based in the humanities, driven by the belief that it would be both captivating and transformative to explore domestic issues while benefiting from the fresh perspectives I am gaining abroad (and it HAS been an incredibly fascinating experience).
Interning with Wisconsin Humanities and attending the University of Olso have been opportunities complimentary to one another as I help to highlight the humanities in Wisconsin prisons despite the structure of the U.S. prison system emphasizing a dehumanizing experience through punishment and retribution. I contribute to this work remotely from a country considered number one in the world for its prison system and reform.
In the U.S., I have gathered the impression that the prison system operates under the belief that inflicting suffering upon offenders is necessary to balance the scales of justice. American prisons often prioritize isolation, long sentences, and a dehumanizing environment that perpetuates a cycle of violence and recidivism. In this system, little attention is paid to rehabilitation or addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior.
Much of my work on season two of the Human Powered podcast has focused on episode three which features two prominent prison newspaper editors, Robert Taliaferro, and Shannon Ross, sharing and comparing their individual experiences. Through this work, I have learned an incredible amount shaping my understanding of the importance of the roles Robert and Shannon assumed in a world where the mainstream media sensationalizes criminal behavior and stigmatizes incarcerated individuals. Robert and Shannon set out to focus on and validate inmates based on the strides they make behind bars. These publications have offered inmates a chance to express themselves in a way that the rest of society would not think to consider. This is so important because as podcast co-host (and a former state poet laureate who has led poetry workshops in prisons for years) Dasha Kelly Hamilton says in the episode, “we are all more than the worst decisions we've made in our lives.”
During the Progressive Era (1896-1917) there was increased attention paid to social issues including prison reform. Rehabilitation gained prominence as a goal of the prison system, focusing on addressing underlying causes of criminal behavior, and supporting education and vocational training. Reforms during this era are what permitted federal and or state funding for initiatives such as prison newspaper publications. This is apparent by considering what resources Robert had during his time as an editor of The Prison Mirror. I couldn’t believe Robert had access to an official budget or printing press as a prison newspaper editor on behalf of public funding.
These reforms were drawn back upon the height and long-lasting aftermath of the War on Drugs (started with Nixon, ramped up with Reagan, 1971–Present) which also contributed to mass incarceration. The War on Drugs led to harsher sentencing policies, mandatory minimums, and the three-strikes laws. The prison population dramatically increased, leading to overcrowding, resource strains, and concerns about the effectiveness of punitive measures.
As mentioned before, almost two million people are currently incarcerated in the U.S. and the recidivism rate for released prisoners is close to 50 percent on a national scale. The larger population of the U.S. compared to Norway does play a role in the dysfunctionality of its prison system. With a significantly higher number of people, the U.S. faces greater challenges in managing and reforming its prisons effectively. The sheer volume of incarcerated individuals places immense pressure on resources, infrastructure, and staff, often leading to overcrowding, limited access to rehabilitation programs, and strained support systems. As a result, the focus on punishment rather than rehabilitation becomes more pronounced, contributing to the higher recidivism rates we’re familiar with and a hindrance to the potential for lasting positive change.
In the 1990s, Norway had similar problems within its prison system. Roughly 70 percent of all released prisoners recommitted crimes within two years of release. That rate is nearly equal to the recidivism rate in the U.S. today. At that time, Norway’s prison system was structured similarly to the prison system in the U.S.
Today, Norway's prison system is an exemplary alternative approach focused on rehabilitation, reintegration, and respect for human dignity. The Norwegian model embraces the concept of restorative justice, aiming to heal the harm caused by crime and reintegrate offenders into society as law-abiding citizens.
The country has a significant number of prisons for its small population because Norway utilizes a system of small, community-based correctional facilities that focus on rehabilitation and reintegration into society. While having so many prisons, inmates are placed geographically close to their friends and family to maintain contact and maintain their social and emotional well-being.
When I uncovered this information, I thought about what Shannon said in episode three of the podcast. He talked about how the number of beds doesn’t change when looking at a prison budget in the States. Crime rates fluctuate, but the number of beds and the budget do not change all according to a prison plan that became an institution and that is now an industry in the U.S. It is an unsettling feeling to consider how inmates are easily stripped of their humanity in the U.S. when compared to Norway. Branded as "criminals," they are judged by their worst moments, rather than seen as complex human beings with stories to tell and the potential to change
The conditions in Norwegian prisons are likely to astonish Americans, as they often surpass the standards of many people's homes. In Norwegian prisons, the physical environment resembles college campuses rather than fortresses. Inmates are given individual cells with private bathrooms and have access to communal areas such as libraries, fitness facilities, and workshops. The emphasis is on providing prisoners with education, vocational training, and therapeutic programs that address substance abuse, mental health, and anger management. By focusing on personal development and acquiring new skills, Norway aims to equip individuals with the tools necessary to rebuild their lives upon release. The social environment is largely facilitated by prison staff who receive extensive training and education to engage in dynamic security which prepares them for the role of guarantors of security, psychologists, and guidance counselors—making them an integral part of the rehabilitation process.
In Norway, inmates have many opportunities to work with prison staff and engage in recreational activities that allow them self-expression and inherent prison reform, as the focus is on how they can become better neighbors/community members upon their release. And this thought adds to the weight of importance of Robert and Shannon’s work/efforts as they are leading prison reform by their own initiative in the U.S.
This focus on rehabilitation has resulted in Norway having one of the lowest recidivism rates, globally. Only 20 percent of Norway’s formerly incarcerated population commit another crime within two years of release; and after five years, it is 25 percent. One out of five people (from the population of incarcerated individuals) might seem like a lot, but compare that to the 50 percent recidivism rate in the U.S. This means that one out of every 100 people from a population of 331 million is incarcerated after being released. These statistics are hard to fathom, but it is essential to understand that the U.S. holds a disproportionately large percentage of the global prison population.
"Likhet" is a Norwegian term that translates to "equality" in English. It represents a fundamental principle and value deeply ingrained in Norwegian society. Likhet encompasses the belief in fairness, equal opportunities, and a community where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. In essence, likhet reflects the Norwegian commitment to creating a society where everyone has an equal chance to thrive, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, gender, or ethnicity. It serves as a guiding principle in shaping policies, legislation, and social attitudes to foster a more inclusive and egalitarian society.
The principle of likhet in Norwegian prisons emphasizes the fair and equal treatment of prisoners, prioritizes rehabilitation and reintegration, and aims to reduce recidivism rates. By applying likhet in the context of incarceration, Norway strives to create a prison system that aligns with its broader societal values of fairness, compassion, and social justice.
In the early history of the U.S., equality was not initially established as a fundamental value for the nation, despite the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness being enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. The Founding Fathers' vision of these lofty principles did not immediately extend to all members of society, as slavery persisted and many marginalized groups, including women and Native Americans, were denied equal rights and opportunities. It was not until the ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868 that the notion of equality began to take root in the Constitution.
I feel frustrated and dismayed as I learn more about the troubling reality of the U.S. prison system. The number of prison beds and ever-expanding budget remain locked in a system that seems impervious to change. What began as a well-intentioned plan to address crime has morphed into an unyielding institution, its roots deeply embedded in the fabric of society. It has become an industry that thrives on incarceration, perpetuating a cycle of punishment without meaningful reform. During my work and studies, I’m inclined to frequently wonder how this relentless pursuit of profit could eclipse the very essence of justice and rehabilitation. The human toll of this sprawling prison-industrial complex is immeasurable, and the potential for the redemption and transformation of countless lives is overshadowed by the machine of incarceration.
Norway does indeed spend a relatively higher amount on each prisoner ($127,671) compared to the United States ($25,000), but the returns of this spending show that these efforts and associated costs are a long-term investment. When reentry fails or the support is nonexistent, the costs are high as released prisoners are subjected to this perpetuating cycle of having no other outlook except returning to prison if they are unable to accommodate society by finding housing, employment, or reconnecting with family and friends.
By shifting the focus from punishment to rehabilitation, the United States can strive towards a more just, equitable, and effective criminal justice system. The country must draw lessons from progressive nations like Norway to understand the true purpose of prisons and how to effectively bring about change. This leads me to think about how critical it is to ask the right question when creating and implementing policies to solve problems. For example, is the goal of the U.S. prison system rehabilitation, is it punishment, or is it to make the streets “safer” for its citizens?
Norway's prisons have a more well-defined and effectively implemented objective than the United States. The forward-thinking approach of Norway's prison system should serve as inspiration for the U.S. to adopt at least some of its reforms. Implementing these changes would undoubtedly lead to significant improvements in society as a whole.
As mentioned, the Norwegian approach allows for self-reflection and building community. While working most on episode three of the season two Human Powered podcast, I believe there are glimmers of that in the U.S. system which can be built upon as we have seen with initiatives like prison newspapers.
