The interplay of social capital, faith, and offender resettlement
| Date | 23 April 2024 |
| Pages | 109-122 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRPP-09-2023-0049 |
| Published date | 23 April 2024 |
| Author | Sarah Plimley |
The interplay of social capital, faith, and
offender resettlement
Sarah Plimley
Abstract
Purpose –This paper aims to explorethe intricate relationship between social capital,faith and prison-
leaver resettlement,emphasising how penal voluntarysector organisations (PVSOs) aid prison-leaversin
their resettlementand desistance journeys, followingincarceration.
Design/methodology/approach –Employing a combination of narrative and thematic analysis, data
was collected from 20 prison-leavers in England through semi-structured interviews. Purposive and
snowballsampling was used to recruit participantsfrom various community-based resettlementsettings.
Findings –Thematic analysis revealed the emergence of faith in various iterations in facilitating
desistance, Transforming Rehabilitation failure, identitytransformation of the prison-leaver, the role of
social capital in effectiveresettlement and the importance of PVSOs. In particular, the findings
demonstrate the vitalrole of a ‘‘Faith Anchor’’, defined in this paper as a trust-basedrelationship with an
individual or spiritualentity, in facilitating desistance. This paper argues the need to recognise and fully
integrate social capitalbuilding, faith and specialised support from PVSOs,as essential components of
successfuloffender resettlement and desistancejourneys.
Research limitations/implications –The study considers the connection between faith, social capital
and offender resettlement. Although demonstrating the role of faith in positive change and community
engagement, there are limitations. Primarily, by exclusively recruiting participants through PVSOs, it might
overlook varied resettlement experiences. Additionally, measuring desistance is complex and is limited by
some academic views that it centres around abstinence. Although small-scale saturation was reached;
generalisation should be approached with caution. Notably, post-Transforming Rehabilitation, the human
cost of resettlement gaps became evident. Future research could benefit from a longitudinal lens, tracing
desistance beyond initial PVSO interactions and offering richer, longitudinalins ights.
Practical implications –Significance of ‘‘faithanchors’’: A ‘‘faith anchor’’ aids the desistance process.
Integrating faith in resettlement offers emotional support for prison leavers. Value of social capital: It is
pivotal for offender resettlement. Positive social networksare key for successful reintegration. Role of
PVSOs: They provide vital resettlement support. Enhanced collaboration can optimise assistance for
prison leavers. Addressingcurrent system shortcomings: Rectifying the effects of Transforming
Rehabilitation ensures holisticsupport, catering to prison leavers’ needs. Concept of ‘‘faith exchange’’:
Mergingfaith and support offers tailored resettlementapproaches, fostering effective reintegration.
Social implications –The study underscores thesocial implications of effective offender resettlement
strategies.The integration of ‘‘faith anchors’’and social capital aids in the personal rehabilitationof prison
leavers and also supports community cohesion. By acknowledging faith as indictive to building trust-
based relationships, communities can reduce the stigma associated with former offenders, promoting
inclusivityand understanding. Additionally,the essential role of PVSOs highlightsthe value of community-
driven initiativesin supporting reintegration.A combined approach that combines faith, socialcapital and
community supportcan reshape societal perspectives on desistance,encouraging a more inclusive and
empatheticapproach to offender reintegration.
Originality/value –The insights gained contribute to the evolving discourse on prison-leaver
resettlementand desistance and uniquely highlight the potentialof acombined approach between social
capital, faith and voluntary sector support, in achieving desistance goals. The term ‘‘faith exchange’’
emerges from this study as an original conceptual contribution, accentuating the relationship between
faith andsupport in resettlement and desistance.
Keywords Faith, Desistance, Resettlement, Crime prevention and reduction, Social capital,
Transforming Rehabilitation, Penal Voluntary Sector Organisations
Paper type Research paper
Sarah Plimley is based at
the School of Justice,
Security and Sustainability,
Staffordshire University,
Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
Received 6 September 2023
Revised 27 November 2023
Accepted 16 February 2024
DOI 10.1108/JCRPP-09-2023-0049 VOL. 10NO. 2 2024, pp. 109- 122, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2056-3841 jJOURNAL OF CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCH, POLICY AND PRACTICE jPAGE 109
Get this document and AI-powered insights with a free trial of vLex and Vincent AI
Get Started for FreeUnlock full access with a free 7-day trial
Transform your legal research with vLex
-
Complete access to the largest collection of common law case law on one platform
-
Generate AI case summaries that instantly highlight key legal issues
-
Advanced search capabilities with precise filtering and sorting options
-
Comprehensive legal content with documents across 100+ jurisdictions
-
Trusted by 2 million professionals including top global firms
-
Access AI-Powered Research with Vincent AI: Natural language queries with verified citations
Unlock full access with a free 7-day trial
Transform your legal research with vLex
-
Complete access to the largest collection of common law case law on one platform
-
Generate AI case summaries that instantly highlight key legal issues
-
Advanced search capabilities with precise filtering and sorting options
-
Comprehensive legal content with documents across 100+ jurisdictions
-
Trusted by 2 million professionals including top global firms
-
Access AI-Powered Research with Vincent AI: Natural language queries with verified citations
Unlock full access with a free 7-day trial
Transform your legal research with vLex
-
Complete access to the largest collection of common law case law on one platform
-
Generate AI case summaries that instantly highlight key legal issues
-
Advanced search capabilities with precise filtering and sorting options
-
Comprehensive legal content with documents across 100+ jurisdictions
-
Trusted by 2 million professionals including top global firms
-
Access AI-Powered Research with Vincent AI: Natural language queries with verified citations
Unlock full access with a free 7-day trial
Transform your legal research with vLex
-
Complete access to the largest collection of common law case law on one platform
-
Generate AI case summaries that instantly highlight key legal issues
-
Advanced search capabilities with precise filtering and sorting options
-
Comprehensive legal content with documents across 100+ jurisdictions
-
Trusted by 2 million professionals including top global firms
-
Access AI-Powered Research with Vincent AI: Natural language queries with verified citations
Unlock full access with a free 7-day trial
Transform your legal research with vLex
-
Complete access to the largest collection of common law case law on one platform
-
Generate AI case summaries that instantly highlight key legal issues
-
Advanced search capabilities with precise filtering and sorting options
-
Comprehensive legal content with documents across 100+ jurisdictions
-
Trusted by 2 million professionals including top global firms
-
Access AI-Powered Research with Vincent AI: Natural language queries with verified citations