School of Social and Political Science

Description

Meetings that matter: co-construction of desistance narratives in encounters with the system, with others and with oneself (Mari Todd-Kvam, Uppsala University)

Desistance theory points to narrative identity as central to the process of desisting from crime. But narrative identity change is a fundamentally social process: the stories we tell about ourselves, including those of desistance from crime, are created and re-created through our experiences interacting with those around us. What makes such meetings matter? Based on a multilevel analysis of desistance narratives, I present desisting persons’ own stories of the encounters that mattered to them during their desistance process. Conceptualizing these moments of change as “innovative moments”, I show how they occur in meetings with the system, with other persons and with new ways of relating to oneself. I will discuss what it is that makes these meetings significant from an interactional and psycho-social perspective, using the concept of recognition and discussing a relational perspective on agency. Finally, I will discuss some implications for professional practice, and briefly outline how my on-going research addresses some of them.

Constructing desistance narratives in interaction (Dr Eve Mullins, The University of Edinburgh)

Identity change plays an important part in the process of desistance from crime (i.e., the transition from an offending to a non-offending lifestyle). Yet we know little about how Justice Social Work interventions can support peoples’ shift in identity from ‘offender’ to ‘non-offender’. Drawing from the findings of a study examining the interactions in a groupwork programme addressing sexual offending, I will discuss how the subtle use of language actively shapes and constructs clients’ identities in situ. I will outline how aspects of identity considered to promote desistance, such as expressing a core moral self or having hope for the future, can be prompted and encouraged serving as building blocks for a new non-offending identity. Finally, in this presentation, I will highlight the delicate business of balancing risk management with the goal of promoting desistance.

Positive reinforcement in probation practice (Dr Steve Kirkwood, The University of Edinburgh)

Positive reinforcement is a key part of probation practice, and linked to client desistance from offending. The main way practitioners positively reinforce clients’ prosocial comments or behaviours is through praising them. However, praise is tricky in interaction, as people are under pressure to accept the positive assessment whilst also avoiding self-praise. This presentation presents findings from a study applying conversation analysis to video recordings of probation sessions in Jersey, examining how praise features and functions in practice, and how clients respond. It will explore how practitioners and clients manage the practice and dilemmas of praise, drawing out the implications for practice.