Feminist Criminology, Ahead of Print.
Scholars have highlighted the significant challenges faced by system-involved mothers in adhering to dominant motherhood ideologies. However, a research gap persists regarding the decision-making process of incarcerated mothers concerning child visitation. This study delves into the intricate dynamics of mothers’ decision-making surrounding visitation, shedding light on the interplay between maternal identity, prison environments, and societal norms of motherhood. Through qualitative interviews with forty formerly incarcerated mothers, the study reveals a spectrum of strategies employed by mothers to uphold their maternal identities, including navigating stigma, shielding their children from perceived risks, and engaging in self-sacrificial behaviors in line with societal expectations.