Bound by Burdens: Exploring the Systemic and Socio-Economic Challenges Faced by System Impacted Black Women

• In Event: Raising Hope, Reclaiming Futures: Incarcerated Parents, Their Children, and The Path Forward

Abstract

There are social, economic, gendered and political injustices that disproportionately affect Black women and their experiences with the criminal justice system. This honors thesis analyzes the systemic inequalities that shape caregiving responsibilities and incarceration experiences of system impacted Black women. Using qualitative content analysis, this study systematically reviews multiple articles written by Black women to identify themes related to the unique experiences of system impacted Black women. The coding process used thematic analysis to identify five key themes: forced caregiving in a historical context, traumatized offending, the role of institutional frameworks, maternal and paternal incarceration, and mothering during and post incarceration. The findings suggest that Black women are often the ones to take on caregiving responsibilities when parental incarceration occurs. In addition, findings highlight how socioeconomic status impacts the ability to care for the child(ren) left behind, the importance of maintaining parent-child relationships during incarceration, and challenges faced post-incarceration by mothers navigating the foster care system. This honors thesis research expands insight into how trauma and institutional frameworks influence the caregiving responsibilities and incarceration experiences of system impacted Black women. Highlighting how the research can produce new policy, community, and practical implications for the future.

Author

• JaNesha Peay, Howard University