Prison Life and Public Opinion
In Greece, people who have served a term for murder do not carry a social stigma. In fact, it is almost expected that a man might face such a situation during his life. Prisons are generally dirty, uncomfortable, and poorly ventilated, but they are not much worse than the homes from which the prisoners come. There is very little labor or discipline required, and except in rare cases where solitary confinement is enforced, prisoners spend most of the day in one large room.
Prisoners are allowed visits from friends, who can bring food, bedding, and other comforts. Social interaction is frequent, and many prisoners enjoy themselves almost as much as if they were in their village cafes. A lazy man may find prison more comfortable than life outside, where he would have to work to support himself. Public opinion often demands that friends and family support prisoners, allowing them to loaf, gossip, smoke, and drink coffee all day—a lifestyle considered by some as the Greek ideal of happiness. If the laws required prisoners to work and removed these comforts, it might reduce crime significantly Hermits and Eccentrics of Athens.
Education and the Needs of the Country
Some observers argue that what Greece needs most is men of agriculture, not just men of culture. There is enough land between the mountains and rocky plateaus for farming, but many young Greeks prefer to pursue a classical education and enter learned professions instead. As a result, the educational system is imbalanced: one segment of the population is under-educated, working on farms without formal schooling, while another is over-educated, attending universities and academies.
A compulsory education law exists, but it is poorly enforced due to political interference. Thousands of children in rural areas who should be in school are instead helping their families on farms or in homes, contributing to the family income. This leaves a significant portion of the population without basic literacy and numeracy, while others study subjects far beyond the practical needs of rural life.
The imbalance between education and labor creates social and economic challenges. While Greece produces many highly educated professionals, it also lacks sufficient skilled farmers to work the land efficiently. Meanwhile, the relaxed attitude toward crime and prison life means that offenders often return to society without facing real consequences Private Tour Guide Turkey.
In summary, the combination of lenient prisons, political interference, and mismanaged education affects both social order and economic development. Addressing these issues could reduce crime, improve agricultural productivity, and create a more balanced society.
