From millennials to baby boomers: Determinants of educational participation in Ecuadorian prisons

Abstract

Background

Prison education is an important tool for rehabilitation and social reintegration. However, participation varies across generations, influenced by personal, institutional, and environmental factors. This study examines the determinants of educational participation among incarcerated individuals in Ecuador, adopting a generational perspective.

Methods

Using data from the 2022 Ecuadorian national prison census, we estimate probit regression models to analyze the likelihood of inmates engaging in educational programs. The models incorporate variables related to individual characteristics, institutional conditions, and psychosocial support, while results are segmented by generational cohorts.

Key Findings

Our results show that Millennials and Generation Z are significantly more likely to participate in prison education, motivated by reintegration and self-improvement goals. Baby Boomers and Generation X exhibit lower participation, often limited by health issues, declining motivation, or perceived irrelevance of education. Across cohorts, women and ethnic minorities display higher levels of engagement. In addition, family support, access to psychological care, and moderate sentence lengths increase the probability of participation, while excessive sentence length, frequent prison transfers, and higher prior educational attainment reduce it.

Implications

These findings reveal the need for generationally sensitive policies that recognize the diverse motivations and barriers shaping prison education. By tailoring programs to the characteristics of each age group, policymakers can enhance inclusivity, strengthen rehabilitation outcomes, and contribute to broader progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).