Does EU membership affect the social and labour inclusion of foreign prisoners in Spain? An analysis of self-perceptions and attitudes towards learning

Abstract

Movements of people linked to the processes of globalization lead to the formation of foreign cultural and ethnical groups, which may generate risk of exclusion. When these people have committed crimes, and have been punished for them, this risk is increased. In this paper we analyze the case of foreign prisoners in the Northwest region of Spain. We rely on qualitative and quantitative research conducted in prisons. By means of statistical analysis of equality-of-means t-test, we found greater difficulties for the inclusion of foreign prisoners, as well as significant differences in self-perceptions of this group in relation to Spaniards, especially in the groups of non-EU foreigners. These differences are particularly apparent in matters relating to the education processes and employment training conducted within prisons. Taking into account these differences would allow designing specific education and training policies to promote the social integration and employment of the foreign-born inmate population, minimizing thus the risk of exclusion.