Sociability and Network Features in Correctional Settings

• In Event: International Reentry Approaches and Strategies

Abstract

Whereas research and practice on recidivism and reinsertion has relied considerably on the risk factors accounting for variations across offenders, there is a slow but growing trend of studies that are more concerned with the sociable or network features of a confined individual’s behavior. This research falls under a more general program that focuses on social interactions in incarceration settings (for youths and adults). The current paper develops these ideas and measures with a specific focus on half-way houses in Montreal (Canada). The study examines how elements of trust, support, respect, and conflict are distributed within confined settings. In doing so, we are able to identify status variations, reciprocal or asymmetric relationships, and misperceptions regarding one’s place amongst others. Examining these features introduces a new set of outlooks to the existing repertoire of correctional profiling. More importantly, such sociability factors provide important hindsight into how confined individuals are likely to engage with others after they exit their incarceration and enter society.

Authors

• Axelle Francois, University of Montreal

• Carlo Morselli, University de Montreal