6: UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF PRISON ENVIRONMENT FOR MALE AND FEMALE EMPLOYED INMATES IN KOSOVO PRISONS

Despite the increased punitive public policies of the post-conflict time in Kosovo, little is known about inmates’ perception of the prison environment in Kosovo. Inmates’ perceptions and attitudes are researched by using Deprivation Theory to assess the prison environment. Qualitative research methodology through in-depth interview was applied in this study. A sample of 22 inmates (N = 22) of both genders (12 male and 10 female inmates) were used for this study in Kosovo. Results from this study indicated that inmates maintained negative perceptions of the prison environment. The majority of inmates in Kosovo see prison environment in a very negative light, with the lack of opportunities, and sense or feeling of isolation inside of prison. The results from interviews of this study confirmed the Deprivation Theory. The results of the study indicated that Kosovo prisons lack rehabilitative programmes, seem to have failed the needed behavioural changes of inmates, and their safe return to the mainstream of society. This study led to new knowledge of how inmates see the prison environment in Kosovo and what is needed for the future of prisons.