Degree Name
Master of Arts
Graduate Program
Sociology
Advisor
Whaley, Rachel B.
Abstract
Research reveals that women parolees or probationers encounter both challenges and support systems as they navigate their reintegration into the community. More specifically, most women returning from prison and those on probation are released into a society of stigma where access to housing, employment, education, transportation, and healthcare services is either severely limited or nonexistent. These serious obstacles can undermine their ability, motivation, and desire to succeed while on probation or parole. Support systems may be more or less available and effective. The qualitative literature on women under community supervision is large but to our knowledge, the diverse studies have not been systematically examined for the robustness of key findings nor commonalities and differences in terms of key themes. The current study is a qualitative interpretative meta-analysis (QIMS) of about 28 published studies that seeks to identify the robust gendered challenges faced by women when navigating the facilitators and challenges of community supervision. Direct quotes are analyzed on the surface and inductively, with the potential for meta-themes to emerge. Using QIMS provides the opportunity to synthesize findings from multiple qualitative studies, providing a more robust understanding of the facilitators and barriers women on probation face. This study will enable the researcher to identify the common patterns that offer a broader perspective that goes beyond individual studies on the experiences of women on probation