Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Policy and Administration
Advisor
Anne J. Hacker
Abstract
Abstract Many male African American ex-offenders lack resources that would allow them to become successful in reentering society. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of male African American ex-offenders regarding homelessness and the search for housing after release from incarceration. Schneider and Ingram’s theory of social construction of target populations was the framework for the investigation. Data were collected by conducting semistructured interviews with 12 adult African American male ex-offenders from the South Florida region of the United States who were experiencing homelessness. Participants self-selected by responding to a flyer posted at a shelter. Data analysis included use of Saldana’s socio-emotional and behavioral coding to identify themes related to participants’ experiences with housing, mental illness, addiction, employment, and job training. The results indicate that participants felt socially constructed as dependents, with challenges in obtaining employment, training, and housing, and the sense of being powerless. These results may lead to positive social change by educating policy makers about African American male ex-offenders’ firsthand experiences of the impacts of homelessness. Early intervention may support the rehabilitation of the postincarcerated population by decreasing homelessness and promoting market-driven academic literacy training, and job programs.
Recommended Citation
McPhee, Joyce Denise, "African American Male Ex-Offenders’ Experiences of Housing Support and Other Postincarceration Services" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 13574.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/13574
