A sociological study on desistance of ex-convicts and their integration into society

This research focuses on the social integration of ex-convicts released from prison and their experiences of leaving crime. The aim of the research is to determine the reasons and dynamics that are effective in ex-convicts' desistance from crime. The research was conducted as field research involving 50 ex-convicts. Conducted as a field study encompassing 50 former inmates, the research utilized a semi-structured interview format to comprehend the processes of distancing from crime and reintegration into society. In the study, it was determined that eleven factors influenced former inmates in their reintegration and crime abandonment efforts. These factors are (1) family support, (2) social environment and types of friends, (3) religiosity and spirituality, (4) employment or participation in the labor force, (5) age, (6) education or awareness, (7) personal motivation to change, (8) cessation of drug use, (9) punishment or prison deterrence, (10) the effect of prison practices and (11) the effect of parole. A significant majority of the participants stated that family support made a significant contribution to desisting from crime. According to the participants, the success in their crime abandonment was realized by cutting off contact with the criminal friend circle, becoming religious during or after the prison period, getting a job and starting to work, maturing in age, and becoming more educated during or after the prison period. Some of them emphasized the contribution of prison and parole practices, as well as the person's desire (motivation) to leave the crime. There is a belief that the use of narcotics is influential in the emergence of criminal activities; hence, it is asserted that discontinuing drug use or actively combating drug-related issues contributes to the ongoing process. Based on the research findings, it has been highlighted that establishing new support networks and opportunities within the community is crucial for former convicts to avoid engaging in criminal activities both during their prison term and in the post-prison period. It has been concluded that the development of new attitudes and policies aimed at reintegrating and assimilating former convicts into society would be beneficial. Keywords. Ex-Convicts, Prison, Desistance of Crime, Social Integration