Gender, Family, and the Causes and Collateral Consequences of Mass Incarceration

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

Despite the primary focus on the causes of mass incarceration among males found throughout the discipline over the past several decades, increasing attention has been paid to female incarceration rates as well as the collateral consequences of incarceration policies and practices in recent years. This thematic panel brings together four studies examining the differences in rates of imprisonment among men and women, as well as the manner in which families and gender identities are shaped by incarceration. Specifically, the first of these studies examines the macro-level factors related to the shrinking gender gap in imprisonment in the United States. The second study focuses on sibling care arrangements for children during mothers’ incarceration and the protective factors that can lead to less harmful collateral consequences for children of incarcerated parents. The third paper examines the manner in which imprisonment affects male prisoners’ identities as “fathers” and their ability to live up to those identities. Finally, the fourth paper examines the divergence between official classifications and assessments of violent crimes compared to girls’ own assessments of their offenses.

Sub Unit

• Area VII: Criminal Justice Policy and Practice / 36: Causes and Consequences of Mass Incarceration

Individual Presentations

• The Gender Gap in Incarceration: The Role of Demographics, Politics, and the Welfare System - JiHye Park, University of Iowa; Karen Heimer, University of Iowa; Kenneth Sanchagrin, Appalachian State University

• Sibling Placement in the Living Arrangements of Minor Children of Incarcerated Mothers - Holly Foster, Texas A&M University

• Girls, Challenge and Criminological Constructions - Elaine Arnull, Nottingham Trent University

Chair

• Kenneth Sanchagrin, Appalachian State University