NCJ Number
240609
Journal
Punishment & Society Volume: 3 Issue: 14 Dated: July 2012 Pages: 338-367
Date Published
July 2012
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This article examined select data from the longitudinal study 'Generativity in young male (ex)prisoners: Caring for self, other and future within prison and beyond' in order to explore the dynamics of repeat incarceration and release of a small cohort of young men from the perspectives of their formerly incarcerated fathers.
Abstract
In this article the authors drew on select data from the longitudinal study 'Generativity in young male (ex)prisoners: Caring for self, other and future within prison and beyond' in order to explore the dynamics of repeat incarceration and release of a small cohort of young men from the perspectives of their formerly incarcerated fathers. Focusing on nine key themes - generated from in-depth interviews - the authors describe how and under what conditions fathers assist their children to manage the physical and emotional challenges of the prison and/or post-release environments. Importantly, the authors drew out the ostensibly redemptive if challenging dimensions of such conduct and highlight the prison as a site of secondary trauma for ex-incarcerates attempting to connect with their young incarcerated sons. The authors suggest that the ex-prisoner-as-visitor-to-their-incarcerated-son equates, in the eyes of prison administrators, to a surrogate form of recidivism. Penal implications of such are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.