Fangers opplevelse av skam og stolthet etter soning.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine former prisoners’ experiences of shame in life after imprisonment, and how processes of c hange from shame to pride take place. Qualitative in-depth interviews are conducted with seven former prisoners af- filiated with the self-help organization WayBack. The empirical material is pro- cessed using content analyses. A hermeneutic phenomenological framework in- spired the study. The study shows that the movement from shame to pride is closely related to empowerment and to a change from marginalization to integration. The analysis reveals that shame is ac tivated by society’s limited acknowl- edgement of ex-prisoners. Social arenas of equals can be experienced as essential to create new identities and a sense of empowerment. Acknowledging that change requires acceptance of help from others – as well as provision of help to others, appears to be an important facilitator of change from shame to pride. The individual's opportunity to put words into feelings is central. Likewise, the achievement of coherence in the world (S OC) is of crucial importance. The im- portance of being recognized and achieving social value are also key findings of the research.