The Probation Institute in Russia as a social institution and its role in solving the problems of alienation, social exclusion and adaptation of social groups and strata in a modern transforming society

the purpose of the research in this article is a comprehensive sociological analysis of the probation institute in Russia as a social institution that defines its role in overcoming the problems of social exclusion, alienation and facilitating the adaptation of marginalized groups (former convicts, persons in conflict with the law) in the context of the transformation of modern Russian society. The research objectives include: revealing the essence of probation as a social institution through the prism of sociological concepts; analyzing the structural and functional characteristics of the Russian probation model; identification of key problems hindering its effective functioning in the context of social integration; development of practice-oriented recommendations for optimizing its activities. Methods: the methodology of this study is based on a systematic approach, analysis of documents and official statistics data. The research is based on theoretical developments in the field of sociology of law, sociology of deviation and theory of social institutions. Results: the results and scientific novelty of this study are that the probation institute is considered not only as a penitentiary mechanism, but also as a key factor in reintegration, whose effectiveness directly affects the level of social exclusion and marginalization in society. The systemic dysfunctions of the institute related to interdepartmental barriers, staff shortages and stigmatization of target groups have been identified. Specific measures have been proposed to strengthen the social component of probation. The practical significance of the work lies in the fact that its conclusions and recommendations can be used by the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia and social services to develop rehabilitation programs, improve methods of working with probation clients, as well as to form public policies aimed at reducing recidivism and strengthening social cohesion.

probation, social institution, social exclusion, alienation, re-socialization, adaptation, marginalization, penal system, social integration