Moving forward against the odds: Intersectional stigma and identity management among female probationers in China

Abstract

Although female probationers face not only stigmatization from their criminal experiences but also pressure from gender role expectations, their experience of intersectional stigma is often overlooked. Aiming to enrich the research in this area, this study used a qualitative approach to examine the intersectional stigma experienced by female probationers and their identity management strategies through the lens of intersectionality theory. The study involved collecting and analyzing interview data from 31 female probationers and three community correction social workers in City A, China. The findings indicate that female probationers experienced intersectional stigma in three forms: public stigma, self-stigma, and courtesy stigma. These women coped with stigma by using identity management strategies that involved combating stigma with the family and rebuilding self-identity. China’s unique family culture played a dual role in deepening and alleviating stigma.