Parenthood, gender, and turning points to crime for young people in Latin America

Abstract

In very different societal contexts, parenthood has been identified as a critical turning point in life course trajectories. In this qualitative study, we explore parenthood as a turning point for 40 young women and 40 young men in prisons across Latin America. We study the impact of parenthood on criminal trajectories, identify gender differences, and analyze the different mechanisms at work. The analysis distinguishes between positive (crime reducing) and negative (crime increasing) changes following parenthood. When participants felt that they had to change, “slow down” or obtain a more stable and risk-free income, their criminal activities often declined. For women, parenthood could also stabilize healthy intimate relationships, which appeared beneficial for avoiding crime and other harmful practices. On the other hand, frustration arising from failing as parents and increased tensions in daily life often increased criminal involvement. The need for more money, and the absence of legal options for making an income had the same effect. Importantly, negative changes following parenthood were gendered. Men sometimes described frustration at feeling obliged to spend more time at home. For women, parenthood could cement an abusive relationship, cause problems because they became single mothers or make them lose social support. The study is based on repeated qualitative interviews and emphasizes perceived effects of parenthood. The research reveals the variety and nuances of the role of parenthood in criminal trajectories in Latin America and highlights the importance of socio-economic circumstances for criminal trajectories. We argue that in contexts of structural poverty and unemployment, where illegal economies often dominate over legal ones (as seen in many Global South settings), parenthood may lead to increased criminal involvement rather than desistance.