Poster #98 - Navigating the Trap Door of Reentry

• In Event: Poster Session II (posters 80 – 155)

Abstract

Introduction: The reentry experience is engulfed by structural barriers that shape post-imprisonment well-being. Yet, few studies consider how racism and masculinity shape Black and white men’s reentry experiences with access to care, support, and resources. Intersectionality, hyper-marginality, and abolition frameworks guide this study’s research questions: (1) How do Black and white men experience reentry post-imprisonment? (2) What do the reentry experiences of Black and white men illuminate about barriers to well-being while under community supervision? (3) How do formerly imprisoned Black and white men envision reforming and/or transforming the reentry experience?

Methods: This study relies on semi-structured interviews with Black and white men released from prison within the past five years.

Results: Anticipated results will consider how racism and masculinity intersect to shape men’s post-imprisonment experience with well-being, access, opportunities, and care during reentry. Further, results may yield opportunities for solidarity and emancipation strategies among criminalized men during the reentry process.

Discussion: This study suggests three potential contributions: (1) further our understanding of how systems work together to perpetuate inequality, (2) examine how racism and masculinity shape post-imprisonment well-being, and (3) consider how formerly incarcerated men envision change and/or transformation of reentry as a system.

Author

• Victoria L. Cook, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill