Meeting Halfway. Experiences of convicts and non-convicts living together in a Danish halfway house.

Abstract

This ethnographic study describes the encounter of convicts and non-convicts in Pension Skejby, a Danish halfway house where convicts and non-convicts live together. How does daily life in Pension Skejby influence both the convicts and non-convicts and how does this play a role in the process of rehabilitation of the convicts? Following a broad definition of rehabilitation, I will look at different aspects: social interaction, stigmatisation and prejudices, the experience of living in the house as a transitional phase, and resocialisation. I argue that although Pension Skejby is not a panacea for success, it can offer a friendly environment for those wanting to participate and get used to life outside of prison.