RT Article
T1 Love in the Time of Stigma: Public Interest in Relationships Following Criminal Conviction
JF Journal of crime and justice
VO 48
IS 1
SP 96
OP 112
A1 Evans, Douglas N.
A2 Begum, Popy
A2 Porter, Jeremy Reed 1978-
LA English
YR 2025
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1916275338
AB Criminological scholarship underscores that marriages or stable partnerships are key turning points toward desistance from crime. Yet, whether people are open to starting a relationship with someone with a criminal record remains underexplored. Researchers have recently explored the effect of criminal records on finding dating partners, but these studies do not account for varying offense severities that may influence consideration of romantic partners. Using a survey design, this study investigates the degree to which various offense conviction types, prior personal and vicarious legal system contact, and demographics influence consideration of dating relationships with someone criminally convicted. Results indicate that age, education, race, political stance, gender, sexuality, prior arrest or conviction, and knowing others who have been incarcerated affected consideration of dating relationships with someone with a conviction, although the association depends on the offense type. This study addresses the important gap of relationship interest, which is a necessary precursor to relationship formation that could enhance desistance.
K1 romantic relationships
K1 Dating
K1 Criminal record stigma
DO 10.1080/0735648X.2024.2353236