Hätä Keinon Keksii: consulting the nordic model of “Penal exceptionalism” for a praxis-oriented approach to higher education in prison

Abstract

Denmark, Sweden, and Norway hold among the world’s lowest rates of incarceration and recidivism. This phenomenon, referred to as the Nordic model of “Penal Exceptionalism” (Pratt, 2008), has proven replicable as Finland - whose prison population once soared - reduced its rates of incarceration after adopting many of the policies and initiatives pioneered by its neighbors (Lappi-Seppälä, 2000). As the United States reinstates Pell Grants for incarcerated learners and New York State passes its own set of progressive reform laws (the Less is More Act of 2021 and revisions to state discovery laws and bail reform), scholars, activists, and educators might look toward the Nordic countries for guidance on how to serve this evolving student demographic. The Finnish expression, “Hätä keinon keksii” translates loosely into English as “Emergency finds the way” or “Necessity is the mother of invention.” This is true for Finland’s rapid development as a global leader in progressive approaches to higher education in prison (HEP) and may speak to the current situation in the U.S. This article examines both 1) the nature and logistics of brokering relationships between prison administration, law-enforcement, and college administrators and 2) the nuance and specificity of developing a curriculum and pedagogy for justice-involved students. This paper adopts a framework of praxis-oriented policy analysis and reads the Nordic initiatives and relevant policy moments that incited Finland’s changes as a guide to develop a more progressive HEP, one in service of scaffolding pathways to reentry, reducing recidivism, and lowering the population of incarcerated Americans.