Intersecting Lives: How Place Shapes Reentry

Intersecting Lives explores how neighborhood and place influence reentry experiences and shape community life, shedding light on the processes of reentry and desistance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Few would disagree that neighborhood and place are crucial dimensions of reentry from prison, yet we have a less clear understanding of why or how they matter—and we rarely gain a glimpse of the lived social-interactional dynamics between people returning from incarceration and receiving communities. Intersecting Lives delves into the processes by which neighborhood and place shape reentry experiences and how these in turn shape community life. Through in-depth interviews and ethnographic observations, Andrea M. Leverentz takes readers into three distinct Boston communities. These places, along with the interactions they foster, play a pivotal role in shaping reentry outcomes, including reoffending, surveillance, relationship formation, and access to opportunities. This book offers a vital new perspective on the reentry and desistance processes, intricately linking them to space and community, encompassing dynamics around race, gender, gentrification, homelessness, and transportation.

The significance of neighborhood and place in the context of reentry from prison cannot be overstated. Research has consistently shown that individuals who return to communities with supportive networks and resources are more likely to succeed in their reintegration efforts. Neighborhoods can provide a sense of stability, support, and familiarity, which can be particularly important for individuals who have experienced trauma or instability in their lives. Moreover, the physical environment of a community, including its resources, infrastructure, and social norms, can have a significant impact on reentry outcomes. For example, communities with high rates of poverty, crime, and unemployment may pose challenges for individuals attempting to rebuild their lives. Conversely, communities with strong social networks, access to education and job training programs, and supportive housing options can provide a solid foundation for reentry.

One of the key insights of Intersecting Lives is that neighborhood and place are not static entities but rather dynamic and interconnected. The book highlights the ways in which reentry experiences are shaped by the interplay between individuals, communities, and the broader social and economic context. For example, the experiences of individuals returning from incarceration may be influenced by factors such as race, gender, class, and age. Moreover, the changing landscape of communities, including the effects of gentrification, can have a significant impact on reentry outcomes. Gentrification, which refers to the process of urban renewal driven by the influx of wealthier individuals, can lead to the displacement of lower-income residents and the disruption of community networks. This can make it more difficult for individuals returning from incarceration to find stable housing, access to employment opportunities, and support from their community.

Intersecting Lives also sheds light on the complex social-interactional dynamics that occur between individuals returning from incarceration and receiving communities. The book highlights the ways in which these interactions can be both positive and negative, and how they can shape reentry outcomes. For example, individuals returning from incarceration may face stigma and discrimination from their community members, which can make it difficult for them to find employment, establish relationships, and access resources. At the same time, receiving communities can also play a role in perpetuating cycles of incarceration by failing to provide adequate support and resources to individuals who have been incarcerated.

To address the challenges associated with reentry from prison, it is essential to understand the role that neighborhood and place play in shaping reentry experiences. Intersecting Lives provides a valuable contribution to this understanding by offering a comprehensive analysis of the ways in which these factors influence reentry outcomes. The book offers a range of practical recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and community members seeking to support individuals returning from incarceration. For example, policymakers can invest in community-based programs and initiatives that promote economic development, affordable housing, and job training opportunities. Practitioners can work to build strong relationships with individuals returning from incarceration and provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed in their reintegration efforts. Community members can also play a role in supporting individuals returning from incarceration by fostering a sense of empathy and understanding and by working to address the social and economic factors that contribute to incarceration.

In conclusion, Intersecting Lives is a groundbreaking book that offers a fresh perspective on the role of neighborhood and place in the context of reentry from prison. Through in-depth interviews and ethnographic observations, the book sheds crucial new light on the processes by which these factors influence reentry outcomes and how they shape community life. The book's insights are particularly relevant in today's changing social and economic landscape, where the effects of gentrification, poverty, and discrimination are felt more acutely in communities of color. By understanding the role that neighborhood and place play in reentry, policymakers, practitioners, and community members can work together to create more supportive and inclusive communities for individuals returning from incarceration.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520379435