Communication gatekeepers and moral arbiters: mothers’ roles when fathers are incarcerated

Fang, Xinwei; Liu, Denise; Kuan, Joses; Lee, Justin

doi:10.1080/10509674.2021.1909197

Cited by 2 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…As the dynamic begins to shift, so too does the power in the relationship, something that partners may begin to recognise: ‘Because there's nothing for him to pull us’. (Fang et al, 2021, p.243).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Reach home, very tired’. (Fang et al, 2021, p.241). There is an experience of being metaphorically imprisoned, which one partner captured well: ‘when my husband was at home, I was free’ ( Bekiroğlu et al, 2022, p.256).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As they begin to live separate lives, the communication between partners can become strained: ‘the end of the visit, you're frantically scrabbling around trying to think of something to say’ (Kotova, 2019, p.490). The imprisoned partner's ‘inability to reciprocate’ (Fang et al, 2021, p.243) creates a distance between the couple and partners are forced to adopt new ways of managing the relationship and find themselves in different roles, with some describing it as: ‘almost like counseling, you know using the right words and nodding at the right time, in fact, you find yourself, you are counseling’ (Codd, 2000, p.70). As the dynamic begins to shift, so too does the power in the relationship, something that partners may begin to recognise: ‘Because there's nothing for him to pull us’.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is a sense of being watched by ‘big brothers’ everywhere, only safe topics can be discussed. This, coupled with short visiting times, makes it difficult for partners to discuss interpersonal difficulties or to be emotionally intimate (Chui, 2010; Fang, 2021; Kotova, 2019). During visits, partners can feel like criminals and report intimidation by prison staff.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Some partners assume and recognise the power they have in the relationship (Bekiroğlu et al, 2022; Fang et al, 2021). This supports existing research that women assume power positions over those imprisoned when they adopt the caregiver role, allowing them to decide how, or if, the relationship should progress (Granja, 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

The experience of having a partner in prison—A systematic review and meta‐ethnography

McDonnell

Lambert

Farrell

2023

Community & Applied Soc Psy

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The number of individuals in prison is increasing worldwide. More and more family members are impacted by the imprisonment of a loved one. They face a variety of difficulties, such as social exclusion, mental health difficulties, stigma, and isolation. A systematic review and meta‐ethnography were carried out using Noblit & Hare's seven‐step approach to bring together the qualitative research in this area and support policy recommendations. Key databases were searched systematically and 12 studies, with varying aims, sample, and location, were included. The synthesis produced six core themes, reflecting the experiences of partners (mainly female): Role Transitions; Loss and Isolation; Shame and Secrecy; Encounters with the Prison Systems; Silver Linings; New Ways of Coping. The overarching narrative that integrates the findings suggests that the experience of having a partner in prison is a process of resocialisation. Partners not only conform to new circumstances and adjust their behaviour, but also adjust to changes in their roles and responsibilities, relationships, positions in society, and their futures. The findings, notwithstanding limitations and recommendations for future research, highlight the need for healthcare professionals, community and prison services, and policymakers to work together to support this population in their resocialisation process. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

The experience of having a partner in prison—A systematic review and meta‐ethnography

McDonnell

Lambert

Farrell

2023

Community & Applied Soc Psy

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Predictors of Relationship Continuity in Families With Incarcerated Fathers

Gonzalez

2023

j fam consum sci

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Paternal incarceration can destabilize families due to the disruption and stress that follow. For mothers, maintaining a relationship with incarcerated fathers from home while raising a child can be incredibly difficult. What keeps a relationship from dissolving after a father is incarcerated is not well understood. This study used family stress theory to identify the family capabilities and meanings associated with increased odds of relationship continuity among a sample of 116 families with incarcerated fathers. The findings revealed that families stayed intact when mothers reported a history of paternal incarceration and a positive relationship with the father prior to incarceration. This study shows the value of family meanings over family capabilities in overcoming the risks of relationship dissolution associated with paternal incarceration.

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Communication gatekeepers and moral arbiters: mothers’ roles when fathers are incarcerated

Cited by 2 publications

References 39 publications

The experience of having a partner in prison—A systematic review and meta‐ethnography

The experience of having a partner in prison—A systematic review and meta‐ethnography

Predictors of Relationship Continuity in Families With Incarcerated Fathers

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