En andra chans i livet - En kvalitativ intervjustudie om före detta kriminellas möjlighet till ett liv fritt från kriminalitet

Author: Josephin Brecht Title: “A second chance in life” A qualitative study based on the former criminals’ perspective on their opportunity for a life free of criminality The aim of this study has been to examine what former criminals' experienced being the most successful factors when trying to leave behind a lifestyle of crimes. I also wanted to analyse how their opinion on the matter might affect their possibilities to live a life free from criminality. Research shows that people being in an active drug use is at a high risk of developing a criminal lifestyle. It also shows the importance of social support from family but also the society when it comes to acceptance and being able to get included into the society. The theoretical perspective that has been used in the study is the concept by Erving Goffman about Stigma and how that affects a person being stigmatized. A qualitative approach has been used and five semi-structured interviews with former criminals have been made. The interview participants were chosen through a targeted selection and they all had a past of being criminal. Through my study I found that to be able to change your life as a former criminal to no longer engage in criminal activities you need support from family, the support may be financial or just mentally. To be able to have a job is also beneficial when leaving criminality. Being able to provide for yourself is important both from an economical point of view but also for strengthening the individual and to feel included. The former criminals background plays a role to why someone becomes criminal, therefore a change of lifestyle and friends is a key component to keep away from a criminal lifestyle