How fathers construct and perform masculinity in a liminal prison space

Abstract

Through a lens of identity and the self, this article analyses the views of 39 primary carer fathers incarcerated in Victoria focusing specifically on the points of intersection between fathers and their children. Using the prison visiting room and phone conversations by way of illustration it explores differing expressions of masculinity and seeks to understand the conflict of identity that exists for fathers within these liminal, inbetween spaces. We aim to address a gap in research and theory by providing new insights into fathering and conflicting constructions of masculinity within the prison as seen in 'frontstage' and 'backstage' selves and by exploring how fathers perform fathering within this space. We conclude by summarising the key theoretical and practical implications of our work.

Masculinities and health scoping review: a report prepared for VicHealth

“…Several research studies in the correctional setting explore alternative forms of masculinity and thus provide an alternative narrative than the "hyper-masculine" framework common to research in this area. The first is a theoretical publication by Bartlett and Eriksson (2018). This article draws on a study that was conducted between 2011 and 2013 and examines the views of 39 primary carer fathers in prison in Victoria, Australia.…”

Did We Forget Something? Fathering Supports and Programs in Prisons in Victoria, Australia

“…Although prisons do little to encourage the caring attributes that come with fathering (Bartlett & Eriksson, 2018), living with other fathers combats the need to withstand a masculine image, thus enabling men to focus on fathering (Nurse, 2002). Pierce, 2015).…”

“…Formal supports for incarcerated fathers range from those in which no face-to-face contact takes place, such as Storybook Dads in the United Kingdom (Storybook Dads, n.d.) and Read Along Dads in Australia, to more immersive programs with entire units dedicated to fathering (Clancy & Maguire, 2017). A more substantial body of literature exists relating to contact between fathers and children by way of visiting, telephone conversations, and letter writing (Bartlett & Eriksson, 2018;Dennison, Smallbone, Stewart, Freiberg, & Teague, 2014). Importantly, research relating to maintaining father-child connections from prison does not relate to incarcerated fathers who were primary carers of their children prior to entering prison, notwithstanding recent research from Victoria (Bartlett & Eriksson, 2018;Bartlett, Flynn & Trotter, 2018).…”

“…A more substantial body of literature exists relating to contact between fathers and children by way of visiting, telephone conversations, and letter writing (Bartlett & Eriksson, 2018;Dennison, Smallbone, Stewart, Freiberg, & Teague, 2014). Importantly, research relating to maintaining father-child connections from prison does not relate to incarcerated fathers who were primary carers of their children prior to entering prison, notwithstanding recent research from Victoria (Bartlett & Eriksson, 2018;Bartlett, Flynn & Trotter, 2018). This study aims to address this gap.…”

Experienced Severity of Imprisonment Among Fathers and Non-Fathers

“…Incarcerated fathers are condemned to have contact with their children by telephone and letter or during visitation hours. However, geographical distances, as well as odious visiting conditions and high telephone costs obstruct contact between father and child (Bartlett and Eriksson 2019;Dennison et al 2013). Because fathers are often not in a relationship with the mother of their children, it is frequently even more difficult to maintain contact with their children once incarcerated (Magaletta and Herbst 2001).…”