An Exploratory Case Study on Stigma Management in a Halfway House in Chicago

• In Event: Negotiating the Challenges of Reentry

Abstract

This project seeks to investigate the experience of male ex-offenders in managing their criminal stigma while living in a halfway house in Chicago. It further examines how staff members view and help formerly incarcerated individuals in transforming a positive identity. Prior research discovered that experience of stigmatisation (perceived stigma) and the internalisation of negative labels into the self-concept (self-stigma) can obstruct successful reintegration into society (Vogel, Wade and Hackler, 2006). Therefore this research proposes that changes of personal identity can generate lifelong desistance from crime (Maruna, 2001). The findings of this empirical case study derive from methodological triangulation of a self-administered Self-Stigma of Criminal Record (SSCR) Scale, participant-observation and semi-structured interviews. The level of self-stigma among residents was low. However those who experienced stigmatisation from close acquaintances tended to internalise negative labels. Even though most residents acknowledged the help received in the halfway house, some felt stigmatised by staff or visitors at the halfway house. Cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT) appeared to help residents in developing their identity. Yet, residents learned that their ‘self’ and ‘way of thinking’ is distorted and that these require change to be accepted in the society. This view disregards structural and social barriers for ex-offenders.

Author

• Christiane Schwarz, Rutgers University