Punitive Practices in Employment and the Future of Philanthropy: Rethinking Society’s Invisible Chains

Introduction :

In today’s modern society, two areas highlight the persistence of invisible punitive practices: employment discrimination against formerly incarcerated individuals and the conditional nature of philanthropy.
Both showcase how the “Dark Society” punishes people twice—first through legal systems, then through economic or social exclusion. At the same time, philanthropy, often disguised as generosity, remains driven by hidden benefits such as tax deductions rather than pure altruism.

This article explores the challenges of reentry into the labor market for individuals with criminal records and proposes a new vision for philanthropy rooted in genuine generosity rather than transactional benefits.

Punitive Practices in Employment: A Barrier to Reintegration

The Double Punishment of the Justice System

Governments worldwide impose legal penalties such as incarceration. Once individuals serve their sentence, they should regain their place in society. However, the reality is different:

• A permanent criminal record often becomes a barrier to reemployment.
• Many companies automatically reject applicants with prior convictions, regardless of their qualifications.
• This creates a double punishment: incarceration, followed by economic exclusion.

Case Study: Civil Litigation and Employment Rejection

Consider the case of an individual jailed due to non-payment of court-ordered fees in a civil litigation case.

• Despite complying with the judge’s order upon release, he faced repeated job rejections simply for having an arrest record.
• Such practices undermine rehabilitation and perpetuate poverty cycles.

The Role of Employers and Policymakers

To build a fairer society, labor unions, employers, and policymakers must act:

• Create clear frameworks that prevent discrimination based solely on criminal history.
• Allow exceptions where necessary (e.g., registered child offenders not working with children) without applying blanket exclusions.
• Encourage second-chance hiring policies that value skills and rehabilitation.

Rethinking Philanthropy: Beyond the Invisible Hand

The Problem with Traditional Philanthropy

Nonprofits often depend on donations, but this system is flawed:

• Donations are competitive, forcing organizations to fight for resources instead of focusing on their mission.
• Many philanthropists are motivated not by generosity but by tax breaks and public recognition.
• This aligns with the economic principle of the “invisible hand”, where self-interest drives charitable actions.

The One Vision Philanthropy Model

To truly transform philanthropy, donations should be no-strings-attached:

• Contributions must be made from the goodness of one’s heart, not for tax deductions.
• Employers can encourage employees to participate through voluntary payroll deductions that are non-tax deductible.
• Wealthier individuals could directly support those in need, mirroring grassroots giving practices in developing countries.

Toward a Genuine Culture of Giving

A true philanthropic culture requires:

• Transparency: donations that go directly to beneficiaries.
• Individual empowerment: encouraging citizens to give personally rather than through bureaucratic institutions.
• Eliminating inefficiencies in the traditional nonprofit system.

Conclusion: Building a Fair and Compassionate Society

The intersection of punitive employment practices and conditional philanthropy reveals a troubling truth: society continues to punish and exclude, even when justice has been served or generosity should prevail.

A new vision of fairness is needed:

• Employment systems that allow genuine second chances.
• Philanthropy models free from hidden benefits and focused on true solidarity.

Only by addressing these hidden chains can we build a society rooted in justice, dignity, and authentic compassion.

By Issa Ndiaye | Principal and CVO at OVINDI International Group