A model towards successful Social Reintegration of adult male ex-offenders in Zimbabwe: The Case of Epworth Community. · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Mushonga, Stuart

Title

A model towards successful Social Reintegration of adult male ex-offenders in Zimbabwe: The Case of Epworth Community.

Abstract

This study explores the social reintegration of adult male ex-offenders in Epworth, Zimbabwe, through a social justice lens, with the aim of developing a just and comprehensive model to facilitate their successful social reintegration. Anchored in a transformative research paradigm, the study employed a qualitative methodology and adopted a case study design. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with seven adult male ex-offenders each with at least one-year post-release experience and two key informants from Prison Outreach Support, selected through purposive sampling. Findings revealed that adult male ex-offenders face significant social reintegration challenges, including unemployment, housing unavailability and unaffordability, social rejection from families and communities, limited social support and marital breakdown. From a social justice perspective, these barriers reflect systemic marginalization and exclusion, which constitute an ongoing injustice against adult male ex-offenders. The study further found that various stakeholders such as correctional institutions, families, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs) and communities play important roles in the social reintegration process, although their efforts are often fragmented due to lack of coordination and understanding of the needs of this vulnerable population. Based on these findings, the study recommends that correctional institutions invest in vocational training programs to enhance the employability of incarcerated men. The study also advocates for the adoption of non-punitive correctional approaches to reduce the long-term social costs of incarceration. Furthermore, families and communities should be sensitized and encouraged to support returning ex-offenders. Social workers and policy makers are should advocate for mainstreaming of ex-offender’s needs into national social policies, particularly in areas of housing and social support. Finally, the study calls for the development of a standardized social reintegration framework that clearly outlines the roles of all stakeholders and fosters effective collaboration to ensure holistic and just reintegration of adult male ex-offenders. To this end, the study provides the Ex-offender Transformation and Reintegration Model.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Epworth

Ex-Offenders

Social Reintegration

Supervisor

Mr. P. Gonorashe