A legitimação da pena de prisão e a reinserção social - uma visão criminológica.

Resumo

Through a criminologic lens, we reflect upon narratives and myths regarding prison sentence as an imperative measure to reduce crime and recidivism. We analyze some negative effects of incarceration as well as its apparently failure in promoting reintegration of offenders. Also, we acknowledge that alternative measures may be more successful in reducing criminal behaviors and promoting reintegration. To illustrate our analysis, we resort to examples from the drug-using offenders’ population, showing that relying on punitive measures, including incarceration, to cope with an issue that is mainly a health and social one, has had little impact in reducing criminal recidivism and drug use. Alternative measures, instead, seems more appropriate to accomplish those outcomes as well as to promote social reintegration.