An Examination of Narratives From Women Offenders: Are Gender-Specific Reentry Efforts Needed?

Susan V. Koski; S. E. Costanza

doi:10.18778/1733-8077.11.1.04

Authors

Susan V. Koski Central Connecticut State University, U.S.A.
S. E. Costanza University of South Alabama, U.S.A.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-8077.11.1.04

Keywords:

Gender, Reentry, Case Studies, Life Course, Social Bond

Abstract

In this article, data was gathered from interviews and observations using content and historical analysis of several women from a reentry program in Hartford, CT (n=32). Interviews illustrate that examining a gendered approach of female offenders provides an efficient foundation on which to answer the question of whether reentry programs are truly gender-specific. The needs of women are different than men and therefore there should be a difference in treatment upon reentry. Two main purposes are served: to investigate women’s narratives about the reason for criminal activity and to examine their specific needs for gender-specific reentry programming. The value of qualitative research in life trajectories is emphasized as a tool to understand gender-specific needs with a particular focus on the life course dimensions of entrance, success, and timing (Thornberry 1997).

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Author Biographies

Susan V. Koski, Central Connecticut State University, U.S.A.

Susan V. Koski is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut. She has most recently published articles in the Journal of Ethnicity and Criminal Justice, Journal of Law and Social Deviance, Rivier Academic Journal. Her research specialty areas are qualitative research methods and issues in female reentry.

S. E. Costanza, University of South Alabama, U.S.A.

E. Costanza is an Interim Director of the Center for Public Policy and an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Criminal Justice at the University of South Alabama. He co-authored the book Salvation City: Halfway House Stories. He has been published in Crime Mapping: A Journal of Research and Practice, Journal of Ethnicity and Criminal Justice, Homicide Studies, Police Quarterly, Journal of Crime and Justice, Criminal Justice Review, and Security Journal.

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