The Latent Side of Incarceration: A Family-Inclusive Framework for Rehabilitation and Reintegration.

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Incarceration is formally imposed on an individual but its consequences frequently extend beyond the prison walls to families and communities. The financial, emotional and social consequences experienced by families of inmates remain comparatively less visible within conventional discussions of punishment and rehabilitation. This article examines the latent effects of incarceration on families of inmates in District Doda, Jammu and Kashmir and considers the implications of these effects for rehabilitation and reintegration. The study adopts a qualitative and exploratory research design. Fieldwork was conducted with families of inmates associated with District Jail Doda. Following permission from the Directorate General of Prisons, Jammu and Kashmir, 204 inmates were informed about the study and 80 inmates provided written consent for household visits. Adult members of these families participated in the household-level study; children were not treated as direct respondents. Semi-structured interviews and field observations were used and the material was analysed thematically. The findings indicate that incarceration produces interconnected emotional, economic and social consequences for families. Families described stress, uncertainty, emotional exhaustion, financial pressure arising from legal and prison-related expenses and the additional responsibilities assumed by women. Participants also described stigma, moral judgement and difficulties in maintaining ordinary social relationships. At the same time, families remained important sources of emotional, material and social support for inmates and may play a significant role during reintegration after release. Drawing on Family Systems Theory and desistance scholarship, the article argues that rehabilitation should not remain exclusively inmate-centred. A family-inclusive approach should recognise families of inmates as affected parties as well as potential partners in rehabilitation. The article proposes a framework involving family-sensitive prison practices, psychological and social support, economic assistance, preparation for release and stronger community-based reintegration mechanisms.