Inmate Reflections on the Impact of Incarceration

• In Event: Emerging Research on Inmate Perceptions of the Incarceration Experience

Abstract

Much of the literature on the effects of incarceration comes from the perspective of children and families. There has been less attention paid to understanding the perspective of incarcerated men and women. This study seeks to understand how incarcerated individuals make sense of and understand the effects of their incarceration on the relationships with their families. This study used questionnaires and face-to-face interviews to collect demographic information and data regarding family histories, life events, personal experiences, and quality of relationships from 28 men and women incarcerated at the San Luis Obispo County Jail. Preliminary results suggest that some respondents think that incarceration temporarily improves the relationship with their families because, while they may not agree with their lifestyle, families know where they are and that they are safe and sober. Overall, this study argues that it is important to include the narratives of the incarcerated when researching the impact of incarceration.

Author

• Unique R. Shaw-Smith, University of Texas at San Antonio