"Norwegian [Good] Wood"

The Scandinavian countries have always been at the forefront of economic and social development.  They are enlightened societies, with a more advanced value system and the willingness to try bold and different  approaches to dealing with human problems.  Crime and punishment, for example.

Norway has very little serious crime, and very little punishment.  Instead, it relies on small and home-like institutions with humane treatment of its inmates.  Wisely, they realized a long time ago that these people will eventually go back to society, so they try to make sure that they don't return in worse shape that the one they entered prison in. Thus, recidivism is a mere 20%, compared to the 50% or 60% in the U.S., for example.  Also, it helps that Norway has an economic and social system that takes care of its people, so that its citizens are not in desperate need to cover their bare necessities.

We should learn from the Norwegian experience, and try to adapt it to our own situation.

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