The Disorganization of Family Life When a Parent Is Imprisoned: Theoretical Considerations and Research Findings

This article is devoted to the functioning of families that are in crisis as the result of a family member’s imprisonment. The author’s description of the most important functions and tasks of the family as the primary social group leads to further reflections. The disorganization of family life caused by placing a parent in prison is described and a case study is used to illustrate the issues. On the basis of an autobiographical narrative interview, the process of reorganizing family life is analyzed from the perspective of a ‘prisoner’s child.