Date of Award

11-13-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Criminal Justice

First Advisor

David Tyler

Abstract

Successful reintegration into society remains a significant challenge for formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly in securing stable housing and employment. This study examines the gendered impact of social support on reintegration outcomes, specifically assessing how peer instrumental support, familial instrumental support, and familial emotional support influence housing stability and employment within three months of release. Using data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI), this study employs logistic regression models to explore whether gender moderates the relationship between social support and reentry success. Findings indicate that peer instrumental support significantly affects housing stability, but its impact varies by gender. While men with strong peer support networks are more likely to secure independent housing, women with high levels of peer instrumental support are less likely to do so, suggesting that female peer networks may reflect limited alternative resources rather than a pathway to housing independence. Additionally, familial emotional and instrumental support do not significantly predict housing stability for either gender, challenging conventional assumptions about the protective role of family in post-incarceration reintegration. Regarding employment, men are significantly more likely to secure jobs post-release than women, pointing to structural labor market disparities. While peer instrumental support modestly improves employment outcomes for both genders, familial support, whether emotional or instrumental, does not significantly affect job attainment. These findings underscore the complex and gendered nature of social support networks, reinforcing the need for gender-responsive reentry programs. This study contributes to Cullen’s Social Support Theory (1994) and Colvin et al.’s Differential Coercion and Social Support Theory (2002) by demonstrating that social support influences reentry outcomes differently based on gender. The results highlight the need for policy interventions that strengthen peer-driven employment resources for men and expand structured housing and labor market access for women. Future research should incorporate longitudinal and qualitative analyses to further explore the long-term impacts of social support on reintegration success. Keywords: reentry, gender differences, social support, housing stability, employment, incarceration, recidivism, reintegration.

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