Codi Lee Meyers

            How do one's personal opinions and views of incarceration shape that individual's interpersonal relationships with offenders? For this particular project, societal perceptions of repeat criminal offenders were examined by comparing the social responses to repeat offenders amongst members of the community of Cedar City, Utah. Some areas of interest that were delved into included employment opportunities, interpersonal relationships, entrustment of childcare, and education, as these areas can have as strong influence on the amount of success one experiences when trying to reintegrate into society. The level of success one experiences when trying to become reintegrated into their community can largely impact their recidivism. While punitive measures taken against offenders can be major deterrents for committing the original crime, the manner in which one is welcomed back into society after their period of incarceration can act similarly in affecting the decision to reoffend.

            This research aims to be a study in labeling theory, discussing more completely how the labels of “reoffending misdemeanant” and “reoffending felon” can negatively impact the views held of individuals to whom these labels are affixed. These labels are utilized throughout this study, providing no further information about offenses committed or criminal convictions. This allows for these terms to be the only identifying factors differentiating these hypothetical individuals that the participants have answered questions about. Labels such as these stem from an individual’s criminal record and tend to be more permanent. Therefore, they can have an incredible impact on how successfully previously incarcerated individuals can reintegrate into their community.