Work

Prisoners’ Personal Networks in the Months Preceding Prison: A Descriptive Portrayal

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined personal networks of adult male prisoners ( N = 250) during a high-risk period prior to their incarceration. We present a descriptive portrait of network size, density, and relational type, and we then document the nature of ties within that network, focusing specifically on alters' criminal involvement, criminal opportunity, and reinforcement of criminal behavior. We found that prisoners' networks were large and dense, and that they were composed primarily of family and romantic partners. Most prisoners are not embedded in a personal network saturated with criminal influence before coming to prison. Yet, a small proportion are exposed to exceptionally negative influence, which, it is argued, may increase the risk of negative outcomes upon release if not addressed by evidence-based programs.

Source: International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology

DOI: 10.1177/0306624x18799575

Authors: Paul E. Bellair, Ryan Light, James Sutton

Institutions: The Ohio State University, University of Oregon, Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Language: English

Topic: Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Science Foundation, Ohio State University, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development