The Long Arm/Shadow of Moral Exclusion: Parole and Reentry for People Convicted of Violent Offenses in New York State
Item
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Title
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The Long Arm/Shadow of Moral Exclusion: Parole and Reentry for People Convicted of Violent Offenses in New York State
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Identifier
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d_2009_2013:7e69b91ad74b:11662
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identifier
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12271
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Creator
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Marquez, Carla A.,
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Contributor
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Michelle Fine
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Date
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2013
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Social psychology | Criminology | Law | long-termers | moral exclusion | parole | reentry | rehabilitation | violent crimes
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Abstract
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The trio of studies that comprise this dissertation emerged during a critical time in New York State when parole denials, sentence length, time served, and time on parole all increased in the name of public safety. Of particular interest were several policies that restricted, or eliminated altogether, the chance of parole for people convicted of violent offenses. While public safety served as the basis for these policies, the findings of Study 1 suggest that people convicted of violent crimes actually have extremely low recidivism rates and the lowest of all crime categories. Furthermore, recidivism was more likely due to technical violations than new crimes; and, new crimes were overwhelmingly non-violent in nature. No significant difference was found for return rates before and after these polices were implemented. Therefore, the data do not support a public safety gain from these policies. Study 2, based on 34 interviews with men and women convicted of crimes of violence, reveals moral exclusion within the parole process inside prison, prison life, and the reentry process (including parole supervision after release). Further, this study suggests a model for studying, and understanding, moral exclusion/inclusion from the perspective of 'the excluded,' across six categories: visibility, acceptance, liberty/justice, basic resources, financial resources, and emotional resources/support. Additionally, social science evidence of transformation, remorse, and responsibility are offered in terms of catalysts and hurdles to transformation; four ways that responsibility is 'carried' by people convicted of violent crimes; how transformation, remorse, and responsibility are expressed; and finally, mechanisms that sustain all three inside and outside of prison. This study also offers three new terms to the language of moral exclusion that provide nuance to the process of exclusion: provisional belonging, moral exclusion by contamination, and vicarious inclusion. Finally, Study 3 sheds light on the decision-making process through interviews with five former parole board commissioners, offering insight into how decisions are made, the criteria considered, and how social science research can (and does) inform the entire process. Implications of the three studies, including recommendations for changes to policies and practices affecting people convicted of violent crimes, are discussed.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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2009_2013.csv
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Psychology
