Author
José Cid
Other affiliations: University of Barcelona
Bio: José Cid is an academic researcher from Autonomous University of Barcelona. The author has contributed to research in topic(s): Imprisonment & Prison. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 15 publication(s) receiving 217 citation(s). Previous affiliations of José Cid include University of Barcelona.
Topics: Imprisonment, Prison, Legitimacy, Economic Justice, Interpersonal ties
Papers
More filters
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the interpersonal factors that explain narratives of desistance among offenders who have been sentenced to prison and study a purposeful age-graded sample of men convicted of acquisitive crimes.
Abstract: The objective of this article is to identify the interpersonal factors that explain narratives of desistance among offenders who have been sentenced to prison. Through narrative interviews, we have studied a purposeful age-graded sample of men convicted of acquisitive crimes. Although the results confirm the leading research of Laub and Sampson (2003) about the importance of social bonds as a change catalyst, they also suggest that changes in narratives may depend not only on participation in new social institutions but also on the new meaning that institutions present during the criminal career of offenders, such as family relationships, may acquire in adulthood.
74 citations
TL;DR: This article examined the effects of custodial versus non-custodial sentences on recidivism and found that custodial sentences were more likely to result in recidivision.
Abstract: This article examines the effects of custodial versus non-custodial sentences on recidivism. An eight-year follow-up study was conducted to track and compare rates of recidivism between former pris...
57 citations
TL;DR: The article compares the use of open prison and parole in the two administrations that manage Spanish prisons and explores the relationship between a policy based on rehabilitation and the effective duration of the sentence.
Abstract: This article examines how close the Spanish penitentiary system comes to fulfilling an ideal role for the prison in the system of punishment based on: (a) limitation of the use of imprisonment; (b) normalization of prison life; and (c) early reintegration into society of prisoners in the process of rehabilitation. On the basis of official reports and data of the years 1996-2003, it is first shown that although non-custodial punishments have produced a reduction in the use of imprisonment, this effect has been extensively compensated for by the increased period that prisoners have to serve before parole is granted. Second, although prison conditions have improved considerably since the 1990s, the system continues to suffer from some important shortcomings. Finally, the article compares the use of open prison and parole in the two administrations that manage Spanish prisons (the Catalan administration and the General Administration of the State) and explores the relationship between a policy based on rehabi...
20 citations
TL;DR: The main finding of the research is that strain-social support theory may be of primary importance for understanding desistance because of its capacity to explain processes of change that begin during imprisonment and that continue upon release.
Abstract: Desistance should be the main ground for reentry policies for imprisoned offenders. However, theories on desistance are diverse, and they disagree about the key factors related to the origin, maintenance, and failures of the desistance process. This research considers three main theories of desistance—control, cognitive transformation, and strain-social support—to explain desistance in a sample of imprisoned men in Spain. The main finding of the research is that strain-social support theory may be of primary importance for understanding desistance because of its capacity to explain processes of change that begin during imprisonment and that continue upon release.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of family contacts during incarceration on recidivism and the mechanisms that relate these factors were explored, showing that both the stronger family ties (with parents and partners) and the weaker ones (with other family members) may have a significant effect on the desistance process, through the mechanism of bonding or social support.
Abstract: This paper analyzes the effects of family contacts during incarceration on recidivism and explores the mechanisms that relate these factors. A two-wave mixed method design is applied on a sample of men given prison sentences for ordinary acquisitive crimes in the province of Barcelona. The analysis shows that both the stronger family ties (with parents and partners) and the weaker ones (with other family members) may have a significant effect on the desistance process, through the mechanism of bonding (in relation to strong ties) or social support (in relation to weak ties). However, the results also show the limitations of bonding when not coupled with the instrumental support needed for a successful reentry. Additionally to quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis has been conducted to detail explanatory mechanisms, taking also into account negative cases.
12 citations
Cited by
More filters
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined whether imprisonment may increase subsequent levels of offending, but it was not clear why this was the case, and drew on general strain theory (GST).
Abstract: Recent research suggests that imprisonment may increase subsequent levels of offending, but it is not clear why this is the case. Drawing on general strain theory (GST), this study examines whether...
202 citations
TL;DR: This paper emphasized the importance of the transformation narrative, in which the individual has replaced his old, criminal self with a new, law-abiding self Key elements of the trans desistance narrative.
Abstract: Research on desistance emphasizes the importance of the transformation narrative, in which the individual has replaced his old, criminal self with a new, law-abiding self Key elements of the trans
76 citations
TL;DR: This article examined the effects of custodial versus non-custodial sentences on recidivism and found that custodial sentences were more likely to result in recidivision.
Abstract: This article examines the effects of custodial versus non-custodial sentences on recidivism. An eight-year follow-up study was conducted to track and compare rates of recidivism between former pris...
57 citations
TL;DR: A qualitative analysis on the experience of being a Listener and the impact it has on individuals and their prison experience is presented in this article, which revealed two main superordinate themes: listening and personal transformation and countering negative prison emotions.
Abstract: Established in 1991, the Listener scheme, regulated by the Samaritans, is currently the best-established peer support scheme in place to help reduce suicide in prisons. Each prison Listener team is comprised of a group of inmate volunteers who provide face-to-face emotional support to their peers. Although the scheme has been in operation for over 20 years, empirical research on the scheme is limited. A deeper understanding of how being a Listener affects prisoners' attitudes, beliefs, emotions and experiences of imprisonment is needed. The present study is a qualitative analysis on the experience of being a Listener and the impact it has on individuals and their prison experience. Interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The analysis revealed two main superordinate themes: ‘Listening and Personal Transformation’ and ‘Countering Negative Prison Emotions’. These themes are unpacked and the analysis focuses on their implications for desistance and offender reform. Results sug...
55 citations
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an overview of the current status and quality of offender rehabilitation programs in Australia, and the directions in which they are likely to develop in the future.
Abstract: Offender rehabilitation is one of the central purposes of correctional services around Australia and yet it not always easy access information about which programs are available in each state or territory. This report not only provides an overview of prison based programs, but also offers a commentary on the current status and quality of programs and the directions in which they are likely to develop in the future. It is likely to be a valuable resource for those who are interesting in understanding more about the current status of offender rehabilitation in Australia.
41 citations