Abstract
While most research on desistance targets Western contexts, we offer a point of comparison through an examination of the experiences of a selected group of male ex-offenders upon their discharge from prison in Hong Kong. To achieve this aim, this qualitative study gives a detailed account of Hong Kong ex-prisoners' accounts of desistance. Semi-structured interviews focusing on prisoner re-entry were conducted with 23 Hong Kong Chinese ex-prisoners. Particularly salient themes to explain the process of going straight in Hong Kong were the importance of social support and family, as well as religion. Ex-prisoners were particularly critical of the rehabilitative efficacy of Hong Kong's prisons as well as post-supervision programmes. These criticisms were related to concerns regarding Hong Kong's competitive and materialistic culture delimiting efforts to desist from crime.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 577-590 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | British Journal of Criminology |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- desistance
- going straight
- Hong Kong
- narratives
- social capital
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Social Psychology
- Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
- Law