The export of an 'exceptional' penal system

• In Event: Experiences of imprisonment

Abstract

The Norwegian penal system has long been considered exceptional and one of the most humane in the world. The allegedly low reoffending rates, good material conditions, as well as the ambition to “turn prisoners into good neighbours” have attracted and astonished researchers, journalists and NGOs worldwide. But what happens when one attempts to export Scandinavian penal values to countries with completely different tolerances, societal conditions and political contexts? Can the Scandinavian penal system be replicated outside of the Scandinavian welfare state? And what does Norway gain from such efforts?

The Norwegian Correctional Services have engaged in the export of Scandinavian penal values for decades. Nevertheless, this practice has rarely been the subject of analysis. Except for the evaluation of single projects, no studies deal with the topic from a holistic point of view. Drawing on qualitative analysis of policy documents as well as interviews with key actors, this paper seeks to investigate what the NCS are involved in, how, and why. The aim is to make an empirical and theoretical contribution to the field of Scandinavian penal exports and to develop data and analysis that can enhance further criminological study on the phenomenon.

Author

• Katrine Antonsen, Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law, University of Oslo