In this thesis I investigate the effectiveness of the RealVictory Program, a juvenile aftercare program combined with a phone coach system, in the state of Utah. Using treatment and control groups, I examine both time to re-arrest as well as number of post-participation arrests to determine how effectively RealVictory reduces recidivism among juvenile participants released from secure care, in foster homes, or while on probation. I found the treatment group was at a 21.7 percent higher risk of being rearrested, but this result was not statistically significant. These results suggest that the program as a whole is not effective at reducing recidivism.

Over the years correctional-based reentry programs have gained the attention of academics and government officials alike. Academic research has focused primarily on programs implemented in prisons and juvenile facilities. Reentry programs operating out of jails have been vastly under represented amongst these studies. This research study works towards closing this gap by examining jail-based reentry programs by observing the influences of age, race, gender, level of offence (misdemeanor/felony), and program completion on recidivism. Findings were measured for both those who participated but did not complete the programs and those who successfully completed the programs. Data from three jail-based reentry programs in Florida were first analyzed using a Chi-square test and then through binary logistic regression. Determining the strength of the relationships between the independent variables facilitated contextualization of the binary logistic regression results. The results of this research are discussed, and additional directions for future jail-based reentry research are presented.

<p> This dissertation is composed of three essays that employ a social constructionist perspective to critically examine the way in which sociologists, criminologists and laypeople alike construct their subjects of study. Specifically, each essay examines how claimsmakers establish the "facts of the matter" and construct the frames within which social actors can experience their social realities. In doing so, the essays demonstrate that those who are engaged in analyzing and addressing social problems, crime and deviance act as claims makers engaged in constructing the realities they study.</p> <p> The first of the essays examines the way in which sociologists and criminologists construct deviance and crime through the popular concept of "techniques of neutralization." The author demonstrates how the neutralization concept requires analysts to frame the speech of their subjects in a way that reinforces the deviant label. In doing so, analysts' claims about neutralizing behavior are made sensible.</p> <p> The second essay focuses on a subculture of male pickup artists. It examines how members of the subculture use evolutionary psychology in their claims about how to attract and seduce women. How these men construct their reality using evolutionary science provides further insights into the processes by which people are constructed and how science is employed in the construction of social problems.</p> <p>The third essay offers a commentary on the social constructionist approach itself. The author considers the process by which social constructionists themselves define constructionist theories and construct the boundaries of what constitutes legitimate constructionist research.</p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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