Experiences of Social Support among Formerly Incarcerated Men and Women

• In Event: Roundtable: Reentry and Support

Abstract

The United States continues to have the world’s highest incarceration rates. Because of the stigma attached to a felony conviction, formerly incarcerated men and women often have difficulty accessing many forms of positive social and human capital. For instance, employers may be hesitant to hire those with felony records and it may be difficult for the formerly incarcerated to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships due to their status. Such forms of capital are vital to improving life-chances and reintegration. In this paper, we draw on in-depth interviews with 16 formerly incarcerated men and women who served prison or jail sentences for felony convictions to explore perceptions of social support and access to forms of human capital (i.e.: jobs programs and education). Participants cited the importance of support from family and friends during incarceration and post release. Such support provided them with comfort and security during incarceration and motivation upon release. Participants experienced various forms of stigma and rejection in the labor market that was lessened by having supportive families and access to educational and work release programs. Finally, participants discussed ways that the criminal justice system and friends or family could better support those who are or were formerly incarcerated.

Authors

• Grant Tietjen, St. Ambrose University

• Nicholas Park, Wentworth Institute of Technology