Work in nature: An opportunity for social reconnection for female community sentenced offenders?

Julie Taylor,Emma Barton,Ian Convery

doi:10.18552/aprj.v1i1.122

Julie Taylor, Emma Barton + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.18552/aprj.v1i1.122

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Abstract

Objective: To explore connectedness to the natural and social worlds across three female-only groups, offenders, non-offenders and nature lovers. Design: A mixed methods questionnaire survey design exploring the extent to which group members differed on self rated social and natural connectedness was employed. The constructs of connectedness to nature and social connectedness were predicted to correlate. Methods: 630 participants completed a four part survey. The survey included demographic details, a nature connectedness scale, a social connectedness scale and a qualitative question asking participants to reflect on how they felt when in nature. Results: Analysis revealed significant differences between the groups in terms of their self rated connectedness to nature and to the social world. Nature lovers were found to be more connected to both the natural and social worlds than either of the other two groups. Offenders were found to be less connected to both the natural and social worlds than either of the other two groups. A correlational analysis revealed a positive correlation between connectedness to nature and social connectedness suggesting that the stronger an individual’s connectedness to nature, the stronger their connection to the social world. Conclusions: The findings were discussed in the context of social connectedness theory. Future applications of the findings to work with female offenders were also mooted. Future research exploring the possibility that the ability to connect is mediated by levels of physiological arousal and anxiety has been proposed.

Highlights

Social exclusion refers to ‘a complex and multi-dimensional process
The findings are discussed in the context of social connectedness theory
Future applications of the findings to work with female offenders were mooted

Summary

Introduction

Social exclusion refers to ‘a complex and multi-dimensional process. It involves the lack or denial of resources,....and the inability to participate in normal relationships and activities..’ (Levitas, 2007, p.9). The researchers reported that women in the Criminal Justice System had high levels of need, which was assessed using the Offender Assessment System (OASys). The OASys is an assessment tool used by the National Offender Management System (NOMS) with a number of objectives, including matching the offender’s needs with supervision and sentence plans. The task force researchers (Social Exclusion Task Force, 2009) examined data from 11,763 women between 2005-2007 and concluded that of the 11 needs assessed in the tool, 80% of participants had needs in two or more areas and 62% had needs in three or more.

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Discussion

Conclusion