Mothering while incarcerated: A multi-method approach to understanding identity strategies, mothering strategies and mother-child relationships among incarcerated women
Abstract
The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that over two-thirds of incarcerated women have at least one child under the age of 18. Thus, incarceration separates more than 56,000 dependent-aged children in America from their mothers. Many incarcerated women retain their roles as mothers during the course of their incarceration, yet few scholars have undertaken research that explores the strategies women use to maintain their mothering roles and identities. Even fewer studies have inquired whether and how these relationships differ by race. This dissertation presents a descriptive and exploratory study of incarcerated women's mothering and identity strategies and variations by race. The first phase of the study is based on a questionnaire administered to the Indiana Women's Prison offender population. The second phase consists of group interviews with incarcerated mothers in the Indiana Women's Prison. Interviews explore mothering and identity strategies among incarcerated women, central issues in mother-child relationships and women's perceptions of the prison's family program. The qualitative nature of group interviews gives voice to incarcerated mothers and explores the diversity in mothering strategies among incarcerated females by race. The use of both qualitative and quantitative methods helps to present a more comprehensive portrait of incarcerated mothers' experiences. Findings from this research are used to inform policy and make recommendations for improving family programming in facilities that house women offenders.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Miller, Purdue University.
Subject Area
African Americans|Womens studies|Criminology|Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Minority & ethnic groups|Sociology
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