Date of Award
Spring 2022
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Department
Public Policy and Administration
Committee Chairperson
Angela Kline, Ph.D
Committee Member
Michelle Wade, Ph.D
Committee Member
Sami Abdel-Salam, Ph.D
Abstract
Examining different factors that causes an individual, particularly an ex-offender, to re-engage in criminal activities (also known as recidivism) is a recurring topic when discussing the U.S. criminal justice system. Within the field of criminology, an individual's engagement in criminal activities could be due to biological, psychological, or sociological factors. For the purpose of this study, understanding the sociological factors related to criminal activity was further explored. This exploration focused on the importance of community building and how bonding with others can create a better reentry process for the ex-offender, post-incarceration. Additionally, with a better reentry process, ex-offenders’ may be deterred from engaging in criminal activities. A qualitative method consisting of open-ended survey questions and semi-structured interviews was used for this study. The findings suggest that the lack of opportunities for ex-offenders to bond with their community hinders a successful reentry process post-incarceration.
Recommended Citation
Edet, Mfon-Obong, "Community Bonding for Ex-Offenders: The Importance of Recreational Social Activities on the Post-Incarceration reentry Process" (2022). West Chester University Doctoral Projects. 154.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_doctoral/154