Exploring Gender Differences in the Relationship between Family Support and Reentry

• In Event: Rutgers 50th Anniversary: The Progression of Research on Gender in Criminology

Abstract

Reintegration into the community after being incarcerated presents many challenges, as returning individuals must grapple with finding employment and housing, reestablishing relationships, and avoiding further legal trouble. Extant research has shown that social support from family plays a vital role in mitigating recidivism and reentry hardships. However, most of this knowledge stems from research on formerly incarcerated men and their families. Less is known about the experiences of returning women who are supported by their families during reentry. This gap in research is significant given the increasing participation of women in the criminal justice system and the fact that they often face unique or greater post-release challenges, such as regaining custody of children and coping with mental health or substance abuse issues that can complicate interactions with family support systems. Through analysis of longitudinal data on returning men and women and their family members, this paper examines the possible gender differences associated with experiences of post-release family support and the impact of such support on reentry outcomes. My discussion will conclude with practical suggestions for engaging families in ways that promote the successful reintegration of returning men and women in general and in gender-specific ways.

Author

• Raven Ashley Lewis, Rutgers University