Fathers in Prison New Insights in Masculinities, Identity, and Carceral Space

1. Introduction to Fathers in Prison 2. Literature on Fathers in Prison and their Families 3. Theorising prisons – A Contextual Framework 4. A Reflexive Account of Conducting Prison Research 5. "Building Blocks for Life": Reimagining Fathering "Work" Programmes Using Desistance and Gender-Transformative Concepts 6. Redefining Healthier (Prison) Masculinities: The Possibilities of Housing Fathers Together in Prison 7. Fathering and Liminal Carceral Spaces 8. Conclusion: New Insights into Fathering from Prison

Biography

Tess Bartlett is a senior report writer/analyst at the Waitangi Tribunal Unit (Ministry of Justice) in Wellington, New Zealand. Her research lies at the nexus of masculinities, identity, and fathering, and how these are expressed in the prison environment. In 2023, she published a co-edited book (with Rosemary Ricciardelli), Prison Masculinities: International Perspectives and Interpretations.

Fathers in Prison makes an important and compelling case for taking fatherhood seriously within analyses of imprisonment and rehabilitation. Moving beyond narrow narratives of prison hypermasculinity, Tess Bartlett offers a theoretically rich and empirically grounded account of how fathering identities are negotiated across carceral and post-carceral spaces. In doing so, the book crucially highlights both the institutional failures that marginalise care and connection, and the transformative potential of gender-responsive, family-focused interventions.

Steven Roberts, Professor of Sociology, Monash University, Australia

As many as half the men imprisoned today are fathers. Often, they were primary carers before entering prison. Their experiences and identity as fathers have been sadly neglected in research and prison programs. Tess Bartlett’s excellent book addresses this issue. It is essential reading for criminal justice policy makers and practitioners.

Christopher Trotter, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, Monash University, Australia

At a time when there are parallel concerns about masculinity and crime, this new book by Tess Bartlett presents a timely discussion of both, drawing from empirical research with fathers imprisoned in Australia. It describes the reality and possibilities of healthier masculinities and argues that fostering a fathering identity can both help men become ‘unstuck’ and find ‘home’. The text offers both practical and theoretical insights of interest to scholars and students across disciplines including social work, criminology and law.

Catherine Flynn, Associate Professor of Social Work, Monash University, Australia