Rhymes, representation, and reflections: A critical analysis of parental incarceration depictions in children’s literature

• In Event: Media and Discourse

Abstract

Parental incarceration is a well-documented and studied collateral consequence of mass incarceration in the United States. Research has examined the short- and long-term negative impacts of parental incarceration on children’s safety and well-being, often finding harm similar to other Adverse Childhood Experiences such as experiencing abuse and witnessing violence. Given the growing number of children impacted by parental incarceration, there has been an increase in the number of published children’s books on this topic. This genre of children’s literature provides opportunities for children to see themselves and their experiences reflected and learn strategies for processing and coping with the emotions, stigma, and challenges that parental incarceration produces. However, research examining the topics and presentation of parental incarceration in these books is limited and primarily published in children’s literature journals. The current study uses critical content analysis to examine the language and depictions of parental incarceration from abolitionist and critical criminological frameworks. Preliminary results provide insights on explicit and implicit messaging to children related to carceral logic and carceral harm, while also exploring questions of whether certain depictions of parental incarceration (even if inadvertently) reinforce the legitimacy of State punishment or obscure meaningful variations in families’ experiences.

Author

• Ashley Kilmer, Towson University