Researcher ORCID Identifier

0009-0001-9268-6972

Graduation Year

2026

Date of Submission

4-2026

Document Type

Open Access Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Government

Reader 1

Michael Fortner

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Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

© 2026 Amelia Ulmer

Abstract

The prison reentry system in the United States remains a pressing social, economic, and political issue, as hundreds of thousands of prisoners are released each year with few resources to assist them with their transition. In fact, these previously incarcerated people are arguably set up to fail, which leads to over half of them reoffending within two years. This thesis analyzes how the United States should reform its current prison system based on lessons learned from three international case studies. These three case studies, Norway, Singapore, and Austria were chosen as countries that have globally low recidivism rates and unique reentry systems. With a focus on five main components, namely education, employment, housing, community, and mental health, this thesis explores what broad and specific policy changes would be feasible for the United States. By analyzing the cultural and geographic differences between the four countries, this thesis concludes by suggesting adapted policies that are more likely to fit the unique context of the United States. This thesis argues that the unsuccessful reentry patterns and high recidivism rates in the United States are not primarily the result of individual failure, but of systemic underinvestment in reentry infrastructure. The evidence suggests that targeted and feasible reforms, such as expanding access to education, strengthening employment pathways, and standardizing mental health support, could significantly reduce recidivism without requiring a complete overhaul of the existing system. More broadly, the findings imply that shifting the purpose of incarceration from punishment toward rehabilitation is not only more humane, but also more effective in promoting public safety and long-term stability for previously incarcerated people.

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