Mothering from the Inside: Research on motherhood and imprisonment

This edited collection explores the experiences and perspectives of women who are mothering from the inside, along with those of their children, families, and wider support networks. It focuses on maternal imprisonment, exploring issues such as sentencing, maintaining maternal contact, pregnancy and childbirth, and resettlement. Part II highlights diverse perspectives on mothering and imprisonment, including the perspectives of prison officers as mothers and international perspectives. The book highlights the challenges of mothering and imprisonment and illustrates the adaptive strategies adopted to resist and/or survive the impact. It is essential reading for scholars and students in criminology, sociology, social policy, and law.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2020
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

This edited collection, based on empirical research, delves into the experiences and perspectives of women who are mothering from the inside, as well as those of their children, families, and wider support networks. It explores a range of distinct yet interrelated issues explicitly associated with maternal imprisonment, dividing the content into two parts. Part I, titled "From Sentence to Resettlement," examines sentencing, maintaining maternal contact, pregnancy and childbirth, and resettlement, while also attending to the lived experiences and needs of children with a mother in prison. Part II, titled "From the Margins to the Centre," explores diverse perspectives related to mothering and imprisonment, highlighting the importance of understanding how factors such as age and mental health intersect with mothers' lived experiences of and responses to imprisonment. The perspectives of prison officers as mothers are also considered, along with international perspectives on mothering and imprisonment, identifying key issues of commonality and difference. Ultimately, the book highlights the challenges of and barriers to mothering and imprisonment, while also illustrating the adaptive strategies adopted to resist and/or survive the impact of maternal imprisonment. By highlighting cross-disciplinary themes, the collection encourages debate on issues in contemporary practice. This book is a valuable resource for scholars and students in the fields of criminology, sociology, social policy, and law.

Introduction:
This edited collection brings attention to the experiences and perspectives of women who are mothering from the inside, as well as those of their children, families, and wider support networks. It explores a range of distinct yet interrelated issues explicitly associated with maternal imprisonment, dividing the content into two parts. Part I, titled "From Sentence to Resettlement," examines sentencing, maintaining maternal contact, pregnancy and childbirth, and resettlement, while also attending to the lived experiences and needs of children with a mother in prison. Part II, titled "From the Margins to the Centre," explores diverse perspectives related to mothering and imprisonment, highlighting the importance of understanding how factors such as age and mental health intersect with mothers' lived experiences of and responses to imprisonment. The perspectives of prison officers as mothers are also considered, along with international perspectives on mothering and imprisonment, identifying key issues of commonality and difference. Ultimately, the book highlights the challenges of and barriers to mothering and imprisonment, while also illustrating the adaptive strategies adopted to resist and/or survive the impact of maternal imprisonment. By highlighting cross-disciplinary themes, the collection encourages debate on issues in contemporary practice. This book is a valuable resource for scholars and students in the fields of criminology, sociology, social policy, and law.

Part I: From Sentence to Resettlement:
In Part I, "From Sentence to Resettlement," the collection explores various aspects related to maternal imprisonment. It begins by examining sentencing practices, considering the factors that influence the length and conditions of a mother's imprisonment. The authors discuss the impact of imprisonment on maternal health, both physical and mental, and the challenges faced by women in maintaining maternal contact with their children during incarceration. Pregnancy and childbirth within the prison context are also explored, highlighting the specific risks and difficulties faced by incarcerated women and their babies. The authors also address the issue of resettlement, which involves preparing women for release and reintegration into their communities. They discuss the challenges of finding employment, housing, and support networks, as well as the importance of addressing the needs of children with a mother in prison during the resettlement process.

Part II: From the Margins to the Centre:
In Part II, "From the Margins to the Centre," the collection delves into diverse perspectives related to mothering and imprisonment. It highlights the importance of understanding how factors such as age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and mental health intersect with mothers' experiences of and responses to imprisonment. The authors explore the experiences of women from different backgrounds and the unique challenges they face in the context of maternal imprisonment. They also consider the perspectives of prison officers as mothers, examining the challenges and complexities they encounter in balancing their roles as mothers and prison officers. International perspectives on mothering and imprisonment are also explored, shedding light on the similarities and differences in approaches to maternal imprisonment across different countries.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this edited collection provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the experiences and perspectives of women who are mothering from the inside, as well as those of their children, families, and wider support networks. It highlights the challenges and barriers faced by these women, as well as the adaptive strategies they adopt to resist and/or survive the impact of maternal imprisonment. By exploring cross-disciplinary themes, the collection encourages debate on issues in contemporary practice and contributes to our understanding of the complexities of mothering and imprisonment. This book is essential reading for scholars and students in the fields of criminology, sociology, social policy, and law.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 160 x 238 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789733440