The impact of a felony conviction on stigmatization in a workplace scenario
Challenges faced by ex-offenders as they re-enter the labor market are well known, yet the nature of the specific stereotypes that may affect this group are less evident. Also, research drawing parallels between ex-offenders and people with mental illness can shed light on the stigma process more br...
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2019
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| In: |
International journal of law, crime and justice
Year: 2019, Volume: 56, Pages: 89-99 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (Resolving-System) |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Keywords: |
| Summary: | Challenges faced by ex-offenders as they re-enter the labor market are well known, yet the nature of the specific stereotypes that may affect this group are less evident. Also, research drawing parallels between ex-offenders and people with mental illness can shed light on the stigma process more broadly in this setting. This experimental study (N=325) demonstrated the extent of stereotyping and discrimination toward people who either have a past felony conviction or a past mental illness hospitalization. Participants were randomly selected into an experimental condition to read one scenario depicting a successful worker, then responded to items assessing stereotypes and social distance (a form of discrimination; Link et al., 1999). Results indicated that ex-offender labels were associated with negative stereotypes such as perceived dangerousness and incompetence. Furthermore, participants expressed more social distance toward ex-offenders compared to a worker with a mental illness. These findings demonstrate the depth and extent of work-related stereotypes for ex-offenders, even relative to another stigmatized group. |
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| ISSN: | 1756-0616 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.ijlcj.2019.01.003 |