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Examining Re-Entry Through the Eyes of Formerly Incarcerated Men: A Participatory PhotoVoice Project

Mon, August 10, 4:00 to 5:00pm, TBA

Abstract

With two PhotoVoice cohorts, the current study employed a community participatory action research framework that centered participants’ ideas in the co-construction of research and findings that are represented their experiences with specific experiences around reentry. Participants were also involved in the coding process, culminating in the development of three subthemes on the larger theme of autonomy: regaining the right to choose, appreciation for the simple things, and celebrations. Each subtheme relates to the overarching experience of reclaiming one’s everyday autonomy upon returning home. While prior research has extensively documented structural barriers faced during reentry (e.g., housing instability, employment discrimination, educational barriers), the themes that emerged from this analysis represent the often-overlooked individual experiences of hope, positivity, and identity reformation that can emerge despite these obstacles. Resiliency was critical for facing and not succumbing to the structural barriers. Thus, the findings illustrate how participants manage structural challenges of reentry by focusing on their individuals controls and still finding joys or celebrations. These findings suggest that the participatory PhotoVoice method has the potential to positively impact research and inform policy, as it empowers participants to direct research agendas to be more responsive to their wants and needs.

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