Lost in Incarceration: An Ethnographic Study of Three Women Discovering their Path through Structural Violence and the United States Justice System

Authors

Paige BluejacketFollow

Publication Date

4-15-2015

Abstract

The United States has incarcerated more of its citizens than any other progressive nation worldwide. The female population of prisoners has dramatically risen over the past thirty years. Structural violence, childhood trauma, socioeconomic factors, education, and healthcare are all reasons for the rise in numbers of female inmates. I conducted an ethnographic study, collecting life histories of three women who have recently been released from Dallas County Jail. These women have also participated in a program provided through the jail called Resolana. I examine the circumstances that place these women in each major life situation and analyze how change can be made through gender specific programming.

Document Type

Article

Keywords

cycle of incarceration, women, structural violence, mental illness, trauma, abuse, jail, prison, human rights, drug abuse, United States justice system

Disciplines

Anthropology

Part of

Engaged Learning Collection

Rights

© 2015 by Paige Bluejacket

Recommended Citation

Bluejacket, Paige, "Lost in Incarceration: An Ethnographic Study of Three Women Discovering their Path through Structural Violence and the United States Justice System" (2015). Collection of Engaged Learning. 67.
https://scholar.smu.edu/upjournal_research/67