Stigma and Reintegration: Does Age Predict the Perceptions of Older People on Parole?

• In Event: Social Institutions and Crime across the Life Course

Abstract

The number of older people leaving prison and on parole has increased over time. Because of their criminal history and advanced age, older people’s wellbeing and ability to reintegrate into society is a growing area of inquiry and concern. Therefore the aim of this study was to understand what role age and other demographic and social variables were predictive of relationships between stigma and reintegration. Surveys were conducted with people (n=78) who left prison in the past year to understand their perceptions of stigma and reintegration focusing on people over 50 years old. Chi-square analyses were conducted to determine if there were relationships between personal characteristics and perceptions of redeemability and stigma. Results indicated that while age was not a significant predictor of perceptions of stigma or reintegration, variables including sex, race, living situation and employment since release were. Limitations and Implications will be discussed.

Author

• Angela S. Murolo, St. Francis College, NY