Criminal Records and Romantic Partnerships: Public Decisions to Date People with Convictions

• In Event: Public Opinion about Felony Stigma, Redeemability, and Returning Citizens’ Reentry Process

Abstract

Criminological scholarship underscores that marriages or stable partnerships are essential to re-entry as they are key turning points toward desistance from crime. Yet, whether people are open to starting a relationship with someone with a criminal record remains underexplored. Researchers have recently investigated the effect of criminal records on finding online dating partners, but these studies do not account for varying offense severities that may influence consideration of romantic partners. Using a survey design, this study investigates the degree to which demographics, legal system contact, and attitudes toward hooking up influence consideration of romantic relationships with someone criminally convicted. Results indicate that a prior conviction and knowing someone incarcerated were associated with greater willingness to date others with certain conviction types. Perceptions of hook ups as harmless were associated with more openness to a romantic relationship with someone convicted of a property offense or robbery while perceptions of hook ups harming one’s status were negatively associated with openness to a romantic relationship with someone convicted of sexual assault and domestic violence. This study addresses the important gap of relationship initiation, which is a necessary precursor to relationship formation that could enhance desistance.

Authors

• Popy Begum, Rutgers University, Newark

• Doug Evans, Fairleigh Dickinson University / Institute for State and Local Governance (ISLG)

• Victor J. St. John, The Ohio State University