Open AccessAn Examination of Narratives From Women Offenders: Are Gender-Specific Reentry Efforts Needed?
Author(s) -
Susan V. Koski,
S. E. Costanza
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
qualitative sociology review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.315
H-Index - 14
ISSN - 1733-8077
DOI - 10.18778/1733-8077.11.1.04
Subject(s) - reentry , narrative , life course approach , sociology , value (mathematics) , qualitative research , psychology , gender studies , qualitative property , criminology , social psychology , social science , computer science , linguistics , philosophy , neuroscience , machine learning
In this article, data was gathered from interviews and observations using content and historical analysis of several women from a reentry program in Hartford, CT (n=32). Interviews illustrate that examining a gendered approach of female offenders provides an efficient foundation on which to answer the question of whether reentry programs are truly gender-specific. The needs of women are different than men and therefore there should be a difference in treatment upon reentry. Two main purposes are served: to investigate women’s narratives about the reason for criminal activity and to examine their specific needs for gender-specific reentry programming. The value of qualitative research in life trajectories is emphasized as a tool to understand gender-specific needs with a particular focus on the life course dimensions of entrance, success, and timing (Thornberry 1997).