Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Scholars have highlighted the significant challenges faced by system-involved mothers in adhering to dominant motherhood ideologies. However, a research gap persists regarding the decision-making process of incarcerated mothers concerning child visitation. This study delves into the intricate dynamics of mothers’ decision-making surrounding visitation, shedding light on the interplay between maternal identity, prison environments, and societal norms of motherhood. Through qualitative interviews with forty formerly incarcerated mothers, the study reveals a spectrum of strategies employed by mothers to uphold their maternal identities, including navigating stigma, shielding their children from perceived risks, and engaging in self-sacrificial behaviors in line with societal expectations.
Source: Feminist Criminology
Author: Zimife Umeh
Institution: George Washington University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4396686167