Love in the time of stigma: relationship interest following criminal conviction

Abstract

ABSTRACT Criminological scholarship underscores that marriages or stable partnerships are key turning points toward desistance from crime. Yet, whether people are open to starting a relationship with someone with a criminal record remains underexplored. Researchers have recently explored the effect of criminal records on finding dating partners, but these studies do not account for varying offense severities that may influence consideration of romantic partners. Using a survey design, this study investigates the degree to which various offense conviction types, prior personal and vicarious legal system contact, and demographics influence consideration of dating relationships with someone criminally convicted. Results indicate that age, education, race, political stance, gender, sexuality, prior arrest or conviction, and knowing others who have been incarcerated affected consideration of dating relationships with someone with a conviction, although the association depends on the offense type. This study addresses the important gap of relationship interest, which is a necessary precursor to relationship formation that could enhance desistance.