Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Wayne Wallace

Abstract

There are minimal studies that have analyzed the impact and consequences of multiple incarcerations among African American mothers regarding their maternal identity and relationships. With this study, how African American women perceive the impact of their multiple incarcerations, relationships with their children, ability to parent their children, and how they negotiate their own maternal identity was examined. This study was completed in Las Vegas, Nevada and involved a multiple case study format and sample of 12 African American women who have experienced multiple incarcerations and have already been released from prison. Perspectives of participants were examined through a sequence of in-depth and semi-structured interviews. Critical criminology and feminist theory frameworks were used to analyze the data, which consisted of narrative interview transcripts. Findings from analysis of this research revealed that after enduring multiple incarcerations, participants experienced significant damage to their maternal identity and relationships and had to make substantial adjustments to try to reestablish themselves as maternal figures in the lives of their children. This research project contributes to creating positive social change by providing enhanced understanding of the negative impacts of multiple incarcerations on African American women, their maternal identity, relationships, and ultimately their community, and can guide the development of supportive programming and policies that will assist mothers with maintaining their maternal relationships during and after incarceration.

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