Sociology and Criminology-Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Negotiating Bereavement and Loss: Influencing Persistence and Desistance from Crime

Rutter Paul*

Much previous research has considered experiences of bereavement and loss during a prison based setting. This overshadows the character of bereavement within the context of community supervision and probation delivery, leading to inadequate explorations of the potential link to persistence and/or desistance from crime. Research into desistance has predominantly focused on relationships with those that are still alive. This text evidences an emergent theme of bereavement experiences within the context of probation delivery, relationships and desistance. It draws upon narrative research undertaken within a Community Rehabilitation Company within the north of England, collected as a part of a doctoral thesis. Evidence demonstrates the similarities between the method of desistance which of bereavement with the narratives of men and ladies reiterating how bereavement can influence the onset of criminal or risk-taking behaviour whilst highlighting emergent evidence on how bereavement can disrupt desistance. This permits the article to spotlight the importance of resilience within the process of both bereavement and desistance.

Published Date: 2021-07-27; Received Date: 2021-07-13