Mothering experiences in prison: Exploring distinctions between maternal and paternal caregiving arrangements

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AbstractObjectiveThe current study considers the mothering experiences of incarcerated women to identify important differences between maternal and paternal caregivers and explore how these arrangements influence mother–child relationships.BackgroundMany incarcerated mothers decide who will care for minor children in their absence, often depending on relatives to care for children. Researchers have not yet explored the differential experiences of incarcerated mothers whose children are cared for by maternal and paternal caregivers.MethodThis study uses semistructured interviews with incarcerated mothers. Researchers engaged in thematic and comparative analyses to identify differences in maternal and paternal mother–caregiver dyads.ResultsMothers whose children lived with maternal caregivers received support from caregivers and were afforded co‐parenting opportunities. In contrast, mothers whose children lived with paternal caregivers experienced limited information sharing and attempts to exclude them from parental decision‐making.ConclusionMothers highlighted the importance of their maternal mother–caregiver relationships, as well as their mother–child relationships. With less support from paternal caregivers, mothers depended on maternal relatives to serve as an intermediary or resigned themselves to temporarily suspending their maternal role.ImplicationsPrisons can promote positive mother–caregiver relationships by providing counseling and can support mother–child relationships through various contact programs. Parent educators can work with incarcerated mothers to identify maternal intermediaries, and formal agencies can target interventions to include maternal intermediaries and provide additional assistance to caregivers.