Despite a growing body of research on desistance, there remains a significant gap in understanding the unique experiences of female ex-offenders, particularly within the Swedish context. Much of the existing literature predominantly focuses on male offenders, thereby overlooking gender-specific pathways and challenges faced by women. This qualitative study addresses this gap by exploring how Swedish female ex-offenders navigate desistance, focusing on individual experiences and social contexts. The thematic analysis of interviews with two participants revealed key themes including cumulative disadvantages, contextual embeddedness, developmental trajectories, life course transitions, and the role of agency and structure. Both participants experienced early exposure to drugs and societal barriers that shaped their pathways into and out of crime. Despite systemic barriers, their narratives highlight personal growth driven by motherhood and a desire for change. The study underscores the need for tailored interventions and gender-responsive policies to support women's desistance efforts effectively. Recommendations include addressing the root causes of female offending and facilitating access to support services. By adopting a holistic perspective, policymakers can promote successful desistance and reintegration for women in the criminal justice system.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:mau-69086 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Leroi, Alexandra |
| Publisher | Malmö universitet, Institutionen för kriminologi (KR) |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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