Ex-offender Reentry/Recidivism
Criminal thinking is often based on a “victim stance” that allows offenders to rationalize their behavior. On the other hand, if a person is indeed victimized by societal injustices it is in the interests of everyone to allow and even assist him to express his grievances and seek relief. The problem for many men is that they may suffer problems by virtue of their race, class and gender yet attribute them only to issues of race and class — unaware of the impact of gender bias, which can lead to frustration, anger and continuation of a problematic status quo.
One factor that can be especially burdensome for male ex-offenders is the impossible expectation that they can, will — and should! — take on their role as Providers immediately upon release. The reality of many ex-offenders’ situation is that they need time, encouragement, patience and understanding. Plus, men need wider options for proving their worth, gaining respect, showing their love and “contributing.” Men can be more valuable than the money they make… if we stop valuing them only for their money. The desperation of feeling worthless because they are penniless no doubt leads many men back to crime and prison.
The Center for Men and Boys in Social Policy can augment your reentry program by presenting to your male ex-offenders a half-, one- or two-day module on how to deal with the gender issues that complicate their efforts to live productive, respectable, honorable lives within the law.
