Environmental Orientations and Empowerment of Justice-Involved Women

• In Event: Area XII. Diversity and Inclusion - Gender

Abstract

Environmental issues can contribute to and be affected by criminal behavior. Marginalized individuals, including justice-involved populations, tend to bear the brunt of environmental harms from pollution, poor environmental conditions, and resource scarcity. At the same time, justice-involved individuals tend to be disenfranchised and left out of the development and oversight of communal regulations that directly impact their communities. Since justice-involved women face even greater oppression than their male counterparts due to gendered expectations, it is vital to assess their involvement and interest in environmental and political spheres. A mixed-methods approach was taken to assess the environmental orientations and approaches of 293 justice-involved women with a felony record. Their responses to questions regarding their efforts to improve their communities and individual and neighborhood-level variables are examined to identify potential barriers or precursors to their behavior. Rich qualitative data is also explored to provide context regarding justice-involved women’s interests and efforts to improve their communities. The findings provide insight into ways to recover environmental conditions and empower justice-involved women in pursuit of environmental and social justice.

Author

• Elizabeth A. Adams, Temple University