Date of Conferral

2-28-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

John Walker

Abstract

Women are more likely than men to leave prison and return to environments that are not stable, which increases the likelihood that they will engage in further criminal activities either because of being around others engaging in criminal activities or because of unstable living conditions and a lack of positive support from family and friends. This qualitative study used descriptive content analysis to analyze 30 peer-reviewed academic articles, with the purpose of understanding the challenges faced by African American and Caucasian women who were released from prison and understanding their difficulties in re-entering society. The theoretical framework for this research was policy feedback theory, which is based on the idea that existing policies affect actors and society and ultimately affect future policies. The key research question for this study was as follows: What are the financial, social, and mental health challenges women face after release from prison? The results of this study showed that women who are released from prison face the financial challenges of finding employment, employment as a requirement for freedom and financial knowledge; the social challenges of housing instability, intimate partner relationships, and social support; and the mental health challenges of having a mental health diagnosis and obtaining mental health treatment. Based on these results, it is recommended that the courts and parole system provide more support and guidance to help women navigate the challenges they face after release from prison. The more significant implication for positive social change is to reduce the likelihood of criminal recidivism among women after release from prison.

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