Emma Villman

Pathways to desistance from crime: expectations and challenges upon release from open prisons

Introduction

Pathways to desistance from crime: expectations and challenges upon release from open prisons. This dissertation explores pathways to desistance from crime, focusing on expectations and challenges for individuals released from open prisons.

Abstract

Emma Villmanin väitöskirja ”Pathways to desistance from crime: expectations and challenges upon release from open prisons” tarkastettiin Helsingin yliopiston valtiotieteellisessä tiedekunnassa 24.1.2025. Vastaväittäjänä toimi apulaisprofessori Kristian Mjåland Agderin yliopistosta ja kustoksena professori Janne Kivivuori Helsingin yliopistosta. Väitöskirjan yhteenveto on luettavissa verkko-osoitteessa http://hdl.handle.net/10138/588143.

Review

Emma Villmanin's dissertation, "Pathways to desistance from crime: expectations and challenges upon release from open prisons," addresses a highly pertinent and critical area within criminology and penal policy. The title itself immediately captures attention by focusing on the complex and multi-faceted process of desistance, a central concern for correctional rehabilitation and public safety. By specifically narrowing the scope to individuals released from *open prisons*, the research promises to offer unique insights into how the distinct environment and philosophy of such institutions might influence post-release experiences, expectations, and the practical challenges encountered during reintegration. This focus is vital for understanding how different carceral approaches impact an individual's journey away from criminal activity. While the provided abstract primarily serves as an announcement for the dissertation defense, detailing the author, university, faculty, defense date, opponent, and custos, it unfortunately does not offer any direct information regarding the research methodology, theoretical framework, key findings, or conclusions. This absence limits a comprehensive evaluation of the study's specific contributions to the existing literature. However, based solely on the compelling title, one can infer that the work likely delves into both internal factors (expectations) and external structural/social barriers (challenges), which are crucial dimensions for a holistic understanding of desistance. Such an investigation could shed light on the lived experiences of individuals, the efficacy of rehabilitative efforts, and the societal support (or lack thereof) critical for sustained desistance. Despite the lack of detail in the abstract regarding the study's content, the chosen topic holds immense potential for significant scholarly and practical impact. Research that carefully dissects the pathways to desistance, especially from the perspective of those navigating release from open prisons, is invaluable for informing evidence-based policy, refining correctional practices, and developing more effective support systems for reintegrating individuals into society. The dissertation by Emma Villmanin, once fully available, is therefore anticipated to be a valuable contribution to the field, offering nuanced insights that could enhance our understanding of successful rehabilitation and ultimately contribute to reduced recidivism and safer communities.

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