”Wake me up when it’s all over” : En kvalitativ studie om kvinnors exitprocess från kriminalitet

Sammanfattning: Despite scientific research indicating that women have unique pathways both into, and out of crime, they are still quite often an overlooked group in regards to criminal research. For society to continue supporting these women in the most optimal way, it is important to both acknowledge and dive further into the complicated factors that affect women’s processes of reformation from a criminal lifestyle. The purpose of this study was to both create an understanding of the challenges women face when wanting to put their criminal past behind them and to cement the importance of social work in this exit process. Using the exit process and gender contract as our theoretical frames we have analyzed ten semi-structured interviews with five former female criminals. The results show that motherhood is a significant factor in a woman's desistance. KRIS, a volunteer support organization, is also a crucial system in a woman’s decision to leave a criminal lifestyle. Additionally, we have found that multiple traditional expectations involved with being a woman, and a mother, are significant factors in a desire for reformation. Finally, the results indicate that engaging in activities that involve helping others is a key factor in women's journey to desistance.