Penitentiary Recidivism as a Systemic Criminological Problem: Theoretical and Legal Foundations, Psychological Determinants, and Prevention Mechanisms in the Republic of Uzbekistan

Abstrak

Penitentiary recidivism represents one of the most complex challenges facing contemporary criminal justice systems because it reflects not only the individual propensity to reoffend but also the effectiveness of correctional institutions, post-release supervision, and social reintegration mechanisms. This article examines penitentiary recidivism in the Republic of Uzbekistan as a systemic criminological problem and analyzes its theoretical, legal, psychological, and socio-adaptive dimensions. The study employs a qualitative interdisciplinary approach based on criminological analysis, legal and policy-document analysis, and a review of relevant academic literature concerning recidivism, penitentiary personality deformation, probation, and post-penitentiary resocialization. Particular attention is paid to the interaction between institutional conditions during imprisonment, psychological transformations of convicted persons, and socioeconomic barriers encountered after release. The article also examines the role of probation services and the Mahalla Seven (Mahalla Yettiligi) in supporting social adaptation, employment, family reintegration, and crime prevention. The analysis indicates that effective prevention of penitentiary recidivism requires a continuous model of intervention beginning during imprisonment and extending throughout the post-release period. Such a model should combine psychological rehabilitation, vocational training, individualized probation supervision, employment assistance, family support, and coordinated action by local community institutions. The article concludes that the further development of an integrated digital and interinstitutional prevention system, combined with evidence-based psychological interventions and stronger community-based support, could significantly improve the effectiveness of recidivism prevention within the framework of Uzbekistan's ongoing criminal justice reforms and the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy.