Analysis of the Social Harms Faced by Female Prisoners in Gorgan After Their Release
Subject Areas : Research on Iranian social issues
Leila Nasrolahi Vosta
1
*
,
Mostafa Asghari Sheikhi
2
1 - Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences-Sociology, Faculty of Literature, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 - M.A in sociology, Faculty of Literature, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Keywords: Women prisoners, social supports, life reconstruction post-prison, lived experience, phenomenology.,
Abstract :
Analysis of the Social Harms Faced by Female
Prisoners in Gorgan After Their Release
Leila Nasrolahi Vosta*
Mostafa Asghari Sheikhi **
The present study aims to explore the lived experiences of women prisoners in Gorgan city, particularly focusing on the post-prison reconstruction process and the role of social support. This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological approach, with data collected through semi-structured interviews. The target population consisted of released women prisoners from Gorgan, with fifteen in-depth interviews conducted. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling method to achieve theoretical saturation. The findings were validated using the criteria set by Lincoln and Guba. The results demonstrated that the process of post-prison reconstruction cannot be understood without considering the context of an individual’s past experiences. Post-prison reconstruction emerged as a complex and multidimensional process, requiring women with incarceration histories to rebuild their personal, family, social, and economic lives. Additionally, the lived experience of prison life contributed both positive and negative outcomes, significantly influencing their successful reintegration or failure in the reconstruction process.
Keywords: Women prisoners, social supports, life reconstruction post-prison, lived experience, phenomenology
Introduction
The experience of incarceration and the subsequent reintegration into society presents both positive and negative outcomes for women. The process of rebuilding life after imprisonment is complex and multifaceted, requiring a reconstruction of personal, family, social, and economic aspects of life (Fowler et al., 2018). Research indicates that female prisoners are less likely than males to commit serious crimes due to certain inherent traits, such as a calmer disposition (Artz & Rotmann, 2015). In Iran, women represent 3.1% of the total prison population, and the number of female prisoners increased by 4.2% from 2012 to 2022 (Mousavi-Tabar & Mousavi-Tabar, 2022). Despite their relatively smaller presence in the penal system, women face greater vulnerability due to societal conditions and gender-specific challenges, which amplify the significance of exploring their post-prison experiences (Bartels et al., 2020).
The post-prison challenges faced by women prisoners have been widely documented in the literature. Issues such as family rejection, stigma, and uncertain futures after release often hinder their successful reintegration (Aiello & McQueeney, 2016; Stone et al., 2017). This study focuses on the social harms experienced by female prisoners after their release, specifically in Gorgan, and aims to address four key research questions:
- What life challenges do women face after their release from prison?
- How do female prisoners experience social support after release?
- What are the experiences of female prisoners regarding the reconstruction of their lives post-prison?
- How do female prisoners manage the challenges they encounter post-incarceration?
Methodology
In addressing these questions, the study employed a qualitative approach with a phenomenological strategy. This paradigm allows for a deep exploration of individuals' lived experiences and provides insight into the subjective reality of the participants (Jefferson & Jeffries, 2022). The research followed an inductive, interpretative approach, focusing on female prisoners released in Gorgan city. A purposive sampling method was utilized to select participants, ensuring they had at least one previous experience of incarceration. The study sample was drawn from women released between 2021 and 2024 who had sought services from the post-release care center in Golestan province. The data was analyzed using phenomenological analysis based on the Clarie approach.
Findings
The women interviewed had an average age of forty years, with over sixty percent having spent between two and four years in prison. Forty percent of the women were incarcerated for drug-related offenses. Other crimes included illicit relationships, financial crimes such as issuing bad checks, fraud, and theft, while a small percentage had committed violent offenses like assisting in murder (Walmsley, 2016). The findings of the study demonstrate that life in prison is marked by both positive and negative consequences that significantly impact the reintegration process.
Negative consequences include loss of reputation, social exclusion, increased criminal behavior, economic hardship, and family breakdown (Aiello & McQueeney, 2016). Many of the women described their prison experiences as catalyzing a reevaluation of their relationships, particularly with their partners, who were often seen as contributors to their criminal behaviors (Fowler et al., 2018). As such, some women reported a decision to sever ties with their spouses upon release, particularly when their spouses had been involved in criminal activities or abusive behaviors that contributed to the women's imprisonment (Bartels & Easteal, 2016).
The post-prison reconstruction process is fraught with numerous challenges. Family rejection, lack of social capital, and feelings of shame and isolation are commonly reported by women in this study, mirroring the findings of Sadeghi-Fasai and Mir-Hosseini (2017), who highlight the difficulty of reconnecting with family and social networks. These feelings of alienation are further exacerbated by the stigma of criminal history, which hinders their ability to rebuild relationships and secure stable livelihoods (Goodarzi, 2021).
Economic hardship is another major obstacle. Many of the women face difficulties in finding employment due to their criminal records, lack of social support, and limited access to safe job opportunities. This situation heightens their vulnerability to reoffending and perpetuates social instability (Jefferson & Jeffries, 2022). For women who serve as heads of households, securing income is crucial, and its absence can lead to a cascade of social and economic vulnerabilities (Farhoudi et al., 2023).
Furthermore, the process of reintegration into society is also influenced by the women’s ability to manage their criminal past. Goffman (1963) refers to this as "covering the name," a strategy where women attempt to obscure their criminal history in order to prevent further stigmatization. The successful management of this process plays a critical role in facilitating their reintegration. However, many women, particularly those who are mothers, express a strong desire to reintegrate for the sake of their children, which can serve as a motivating factor to avoid reoffending (Miller et al., 2014).
In the context of Gorgan, the women interviewed experienced significant social and economic hardships after release, including isolation and the challenge of rebuilding trust within family and society. The experience of motherhood provided a source of strength for some women, as they sought to protect their children from the cycle of incarceration and crime (Sadeghi-Fasai & Mir-Hosseini, 2014). Their access to social capital—particularly through family connections, social networks, and support from post-prison care programs—was crucial in aiding their successful reintegration (Leech et al., 2024).
Finally, the need for social services that can address the unique needs of female prisoners is essential. Services should focus not only on economic support but also on counseling, rehabilitation, and social support, which are crucial for rebuilding their lives. These services can provide a critical pathway for women to reestablish themselves in society and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
Discussion and Conclusion
The experiences of female prisoners in Gorgan following their release reveal that the challenges they face are multifaceted and complex. Issues such as stigma, economic hardship, and family rejection significantly hinder their reintegration into society. However, factors such as social support, particularly from family and post-prison care programs, play a crucial role in their ability to rebuild their lives. Addressing these challenges through comprehensive social policies and services can aid in the successful reintegration of female prisoners and help reduce the risk of recidivism. Future research should focus on further exploring the role of social capital and institutional support in the rehabilitation of incarcerated women, as well as the impact of motherhood and family dynamics on their post-prison lives.
References
Aiello, B., and McQueeney, K. (2016) “How can you live without your kids?” Distancing from and embracing the stigma of “incarcerated mother”. Journal of Prison Education and Reentry, 3 (1): 32–49
Artz, L., and Rotmann, B. (2015) Taking ‘a count’ of women in prison. Agenda, 29: 3–13.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (2020) The health and welfare of women in Australia’s prisons. Cat. No. PHE 281.
Bartels L, Easteal P, and Westgate R. (2020) Understanding women’s imprisonment in Australia. Women and Criminal Justice. 30 (3): 204–219.
Bartels, L. and Easteal, P. (2016) "Women prisoners’ sexual victimisation: ongoing vulnerabilities and possible responses", Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, 2 (3), 206-216.
Board, T., Ali, S. and Bartlett, A. (2023) "Intellectual disability screening in women prisoners: preliminary evaluation", International Journal of Prisoner Health, 11 (4), 243-254.
Farhoudi, B., Shahmohamadi, E., SeyedAlinaghi, S., Rostam Afshar, Z., Mirzapour, P., Nadji, S., Golsoorat Pahlaviani, F., Tashakorian, M. and Hackett, D. (2023) "Sexual and reproductive history of female prisoners in Iran: a health care needs analysis", International Journal of Prisoner Health, 19 (4), 591-598.
Fowler, C, Dawson, A, Rossiter, C, Jackson, D, Power T, Roche, M. (2018) When parenting does not ‘come naturally’: Providers’ perspectives on parenting education for incarcerated mothers and fathers. Studies in Continuing Education. 40(1):98–114.
Jefferson, A. M. and Jeffries, S. (2022) Catching Flies: How Women are Exploited Through Prison Work in Myanmar, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 59-75.
Leech, K., Rodham, K., Burton, A. and Hughes, T. (2024) "Understanding weight gain in female prisoners", International Journal of Prison Health, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-05-2023-0024.
Miller AL, Weston LE, Perryman J, Horwitz T, Franzen S, Cochran S. (2014) Parenting while incarcerated: Tailoring the strengthening families program for use with jailed mothers. Children & Youth Services Review. 44:163–170.
O’Brien CP, Charney DS, Lewis L, Cornish JW, Post RM, (2014), Priority actions to improve the care of persons with co-occurring substance abuse and other mental disorders: a call to action. Biol Psychiatry. 56 (10): 703–713.
Renzetti, C.M. (2008) Criminal Behavior, Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace & Conflict, 5:488-498.
Stathopoulos, M. (2012) Australian Centre for the Study of sexual assault. Australian Institute of Family Studies. Addressing women’s victimisation histories in custodial settings. https://aifs.gov.au/sites/default/files/publication-documents/i13.pdf.
Stone U, Liddell M, and Martinovic M.(2017) Incarcerated mothers: Issues and barriers for regaining custody of children. The Prison Journal.97(3): 296–317.
Walmsley, R. (2016) World female imprisonment list. Institute of Criminal Policy Research and Birbeck. Retrieved from https://www.prisonstudies.org/sites/default/files/resources/downloads/world_female_prison_4th_edn_v4_web.pdf.
* Corresponding Author: Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences-Sociology, Faculty of Literature, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.leila.nasrolahi@srbiau.ac.ir
** M.A in sociology, Faculty of Literature, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
mostafa.asghari.sheykhi@gmail.com
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Artz, L., and Rotmann, B. (2015) Taking ‘a count’ of women in prison. Agenda, 29: 3–13.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (2020) The health and welfare of women in Australia’s prisons. Cat. No. PHE 281.
Bartels L, Easteal P, and Westgate R. (2020) Understanding women’s imprisonment in Australia. Women and Criminal Justice. 30 (3): 204–219.
Bartels, L. and Easteal, P. (2016) "Women prisoners’ sexual victimisation: ongoing vulnerabilities and possible responses", Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, 2 (3), 206-216.
Board, T., Ali, S. and Bartlett, A. (2023) "Intellectual disability screening in women prisoners: preliminary evaluation", International Journal of Prisoner Health, 11 (4), 243-254.
Farhoudi, B., Shahmohamadi, E., SeyedAlinaghi, S., Rostam Afshar, Z., Mirzapour, P., Nadji, S., Golsoorat Pahlaviani, F., Tashakorian, M. and Hackett, D. (2023) "Sexual and reproductive history of female prisoners in Iran: a health care needs analysis", International Journal of Prisoner Health, 19 (4), 591-598.
Fowler, C, Dawson, A, Rossiter, C, Jackson, D, Power T, Roche, M. (2018) When parenting does not ‘come naturally’: Providers’ perspectives on parenting education for incarcerated mothers and fathers. Studies in Continuing Education. 40(1):98–114.
Jefferson, A. M. and Jeffries, S. (2022) Catching Flies: How Women are Exploited Through Prison Work in Myanmar, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 59-75.
Leech, K., Rodham, K., Burton, A. and Hughes, T. (2024) "Understanding weight gain in female prisoners", International Journal of Prison Health, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-05-2023-0024.
Miller AL, Weston LE, Perryman J, Horwitz T, Franzen S, Cochran S. (2014) Parenting while incarcerated: Tailoring the strengthening families program for use with jailed mothers. Children & Youth Services Review. 44:163–170.
O’Brien CP, Charney DS, Lewis L, Cornish JW, Post RM, (2014), Priority actions to improve the care of persons with co-occurring substance abuse and other mental disorders: a call to action. Biol Psychiatry. 56 (10): 703–713.
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Stathopoulos, M. (2012) Australian Centre for the Study of sexual assault. Australian Institute of Family Studies. Addressing women’s victimisation histories in custodial settings. https://aifs.gov.au/sites/default/files/publication-documents/i13.pdf.
Stone U, Liddell M, and Martinovic M. (2017) Incarcerated mothers: Issues and barriers for regaining custody of children. The Prison Journal.97(3): 296–317.
Walmsley, R. (2016) World female imprisonment list. Institute of Criminal Policy Research and Birbeck. Retrieved from https://www.prisonstudies.org/sites/default/files/resources/downloads/world_female_prison_4th_edn_v4_web.pdf.