Roundtable: Carceral Generativity: Self-restoration Through Altruistically Creating Meaningful Change and Building Communities

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract/Description

Although rehabilitation is a key aim of the criminal justice system, there is a multiplicity of approaches across Western countries and states to achieve this outcome for people who are incarcerated. The process of desistance and redemption narratives have received much attention over the last two decades, and it is now widely recognized that when people in prison and post prison are provided with opportunities to contribute to the community in a meaningful way, it facilitates redemptive narratives and promotes desistance. This innovative roundtable of academics, people with lived experience of the justice system, and directors of non-profit organizations discuss the possibility of making significant contributions both during and after incarceration, and the impact this has upon the individual, the environment, and the social narrative around crime and criminality. We discuss creative projects, advising on correctional policies and processes, as well as peer roles within custody and upon re-entry. These are all aspects of what is known as “carceral generativity” (Maruna, LeBel, & Lanier, 2004), that is, caring for the self, others, and the future (Halsey & Harrier, 2011). We discuss the benefits of ensuring people with lived experience engaging in something that is both self-restorative and enacts long-lasting change.

Sub Unit

• Area XIV. Roundtables

Chair

• Kate Kennedy, RMIT University

Discussants

• Diane Kahn, Humans of San Quentin

• Dina Milito, Minutes Before Six

• Pattie Phillips, Beyond the Stone Walls Advisory Collective

• Ryan Michael West, Exorior initiative

• Marietta Martinovic, RMIT University

Organized by a Division or external group?

No