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Romantic Relationships and Criminal Desistance: Pathways and Processes.
Jessica Jb Wyse1, David J Harding2, Jeffrey D Morenoff1
1University of Michigan.
Sociological Forum (Randolph, N.J.)
|December 9, 2014
Summary
Romantic relationships, not just marriage, significantly influence criminal desistance. This study explores diverse relationship types and their impact on individuals reentering society, revealing varied effects on criminal behavior.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Sociology
- Psychology
Background:
- Dominant theories link marital formation to criminal desistance.
- Empirical research predominantly focuses on marriage's positive impact on men's desistance.
- Limited research explores non-marital relationships in criminal desistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend desistance research by examining the role of diverse romantic relationships beyond marriage.
- To investigate the varied processes through which all types of romantic relationships influence criminal behavior.
- To identify gender differences in the impact of romantic relationships on desistance.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal in-depth interviews with 22 individuals (men and women) reentering society from prison.
- Analysis of 138 interviews to understand the link between romantic relationships and criminal behavior.
- Development of an empirically-based typology of relationship effects.
Main Results:
- Identified six distinct processes through which romantic relationships influence desistance, grouped into material circumstances, social bonds/interactions, and emotional supports/stressors.
- Found that even tenuous relationships with marginally conventional partners can significantly impact former prisoners' behavior.
- Observed gender differences in the influence of romantic relationships on criminal desistance.
Conclusions:
- Romantic relationships, encompassing both stable and fleeting connections, play a crucial role in criminal desistance.
- The influence of these relationships is multifaceted, affecting individuals through material, social, and emotional pathways.
- Understanding these diverse relationship dynamics is essential for effective reentry programs and reducing recidivism.
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