Progressive education system in the Kuopio province penal colony 1859–1880

Authors

• Päivi Pukero Joensuun yliopisto

Abstract

The article examines the educational principles active in the function of Kuopio Province Penal Colony in Luostanlinna. The vagrancy issue was not only a matter for the police and public order in the 1800s, but also an educational problem. Correctional treatment and prison facilities provided security for the general population. Correctional measures aimed at turning vagrants into socially useful citizens with work, education and control. Labour was a significant means of correctional education by tradition, and also for its utility. The Kuopio Province Penal Colony followed the educational principles: isolation, progression and education. Work and wages, vocational training and religion were the primary educational instruments of the institution. The educational aspect was strongly emphasized in Luostanlinna, although its results were not outstanding. The institution was shut down in 1880 and possible reasons for this vary depending on one’s approach. The actual reasons for the decision are unknown.