NCJ Number
229370
Date Published
2009
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This chapter on negotiating an ex-convict identity 'in mixed company' investigates the process of symbolic interactionism, where individuals construct their identities as they weigh other people's attitudes toward them.
Abstract
To begin to examine how an individual negotiates and renegotiates his or her identity within a multi-person setting, a researcher must attend closely to statements made by all participants. Because of the need for analysis of the talk of several persons, this chapter focused on one man, named James, engaging with others. Data on James were drawn from a larger study of 27 convicted men. The study provides insights for programs to promote change among ex-offenders. The finding that James cherished his 'bad' self insofar as it reflected his creativity and autonomy, should give pause to those who would 'correct' all that ex-offenders think and say. Currently, the dominant, cognition-oriented interventions for ex-offenders discourage creative deliberation about one's past offending. To help ex-offenders with identity transformation that facilitates reintegration, the starting point must begin with their preferred identity, not those preferred for them. Notes and references