Beyond Foucault? The Nordic Approach to Imprisonment

This chapter will evaluate the Nordic model of imprisonment, which implements a socially progressive and rehabilitative approach towards incarceration. This approach emphasises the rapid reintegration and resettlement of prisoners back into society, and has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the world. The merits of this approach will be used by McNeil to counter Foucault’s deeply pessimistic argument that prison reforms cannot succeed. Developed on the basis of the ‘Principle of Normality’ and the ‘Activation’ of prisoners, this approach embodied by Halden Prison, has reaped many benefits, including reports of the improved mental health and well-being of inmates. However, as there is only a small quantity of prisoner-centred research in Nordic prisons—which is mostly negative—a balanced, critical appraisal will be made of the Nordic model by McNeil.