Abstract :
[en] Incarceration leads to a break between an individual and one’s social environment, inducing
significant losses of identity (Touraut, 2014). Tough delinquent identity remains prominent,
during their incarceration, some inmates invest their role of father. Investing his role of father
and thus his father’s identity allows the inmate to break away with delinquent’s identity
(Tripp, 2009; Walker, 2009). Moreover, research on desistance underlines that turning point
like job, marriage or parenthood supports the transition from criminal life to conventional life
(Laub et Sampson, 2003; Lebel, Burnett, Maruna & Bushway, 2008). Indeed, becoming
parent is a stage in life cycle that can shape one’s lifestyle.
From qualitative researches conducted with father inmates since at least 6 months, we have
identified the link between investment in parenting and desistance. The hypothesis is that
investment in parenting has a positive impact on father’s prison experience, parenting sense of
competence and it will support desistance process. A semi-structured interview and several
questionnaires assessing relational and social life have been used in this context (WHOQOLbrief,
EPS, ESUL, educational attitudes, QAECEP).
First results highlight that parenting during incarceration can be difficult. Some inmates try to
keep it with visits between inmate fathers and their children. These visits are influenced by
different factors and have a positive impact on prison experience. Indeed, with these visits,
inmates maintain a link with their children. That is a source of support and hope during
incarceration. That allows investment in one father’s identity.
