Social Support Between Offenders and Their Children: A Comparison Across Gender and Age

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Prior research has indicated that women, both in free society and those in prison, have higher levels of social support, larger social networks, and are more likely to receive support from multiple sources, compared to their male counterparts. Using data from the Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities (2004), the current study explores gender differences in bi-directional social support, specifically between offenders and their children, making comparisons across various age categories for both male and female offenders. In addition, this study examines how the amount of social support may vary based on a host of legal and extra-legal characteristics of the offender.

Authors

• Jill Kathleen Doerner, University of Rhode Island

• Wendi Elizabeth Goodlin-Fahncke, University of Toledo