Constructing and maintaining a ‘noncriminal’ identity: a psychosocial narrative inquiry into the lives of people with convictions

Collett, Nicola

Abstract

Despite burgeoning interest in the field of collateral consequences research, there is little empirical research exploring the subjective experiences of people living with convictions (PWCs), particularly within the jurisdiction of England and Wales. Through in-depth analysis of interviews with fourteen PWCs, this research provides insight into the highly creative ways former lawbreakers navigate ‘disclosure landscapes’ (developed in this thesis), and manage the stigma attached to their criminal record in public and private life domains. A psychosocially informed narrative inquiry, this thesis examines the importance of storytelling for the management of stigma, highlighting how people attach meaning to life events, establish continuity between past, present and future, and construct a ‘non-criminal’ narrative identity to share with others. It explores the discursive investments of participants to illustrate the simultaneously agentic and socially mediated nature of narrative construction. It examines how some narratives help to facilitate forward mobility and the anticipation of a ‘stigma free’ future, whilst others act as a rubber band, drawing PWCs back to the harmful experiences of their past. A key argument of this thesis is that managing the criminal record constitutes a life-long narrative project, as people are required to adapt to changes to their life trajectories and social structures, and in the case of PWCs, to respond to shifts in socio-political attitudes regarding the management of ‘risky’ or ‘dangerous’ people. As a result, the thesis argues that more biographically informed research is needed to advance the field of collateral consequences further, recognising the highly subjective and complex ways people experience living with a criminal record.

Citation

Collett, N. (2023). Constructing and maintaining a ‘noncriminal’ identity: a psychosocial narrative inquiry into the lives of people with convictions. (Thesis). Keele University

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 12, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 8, 2024
• Award Date: 2023-10