Post-incarceration reintegration was shaped not only by individual resilience but also by structural forces that determined access to opportunity and belonging. The paper demonstrated that punitive correctional systems, such as those in the United States, reinforced cycles of marginalisation through mass incarceration, stigmatisation, and restrictive re-entry policies. In contrast, the rehabilitation-oriented approaches of Nordic countries illustrated how investment in social support, skill development, and community trust reduced recidivism and fostered inclusion. The analysis showed that structural inequalities deepened the tension between punishment and rehabilitation, trapping many returning citizens in a cycle of exclusion. By highlighting comparative models, the paper argued for a more balanced framework that combined accountability with pathways for integration. The findings underscored that sustainable reintegration required addressing systemic discrimination, prioritizing rehabilitation, and building justice systems that promoted dignity, equity, and long-term social stability.