The Relations of Incarcerated Mothers with Their Children in the Bakırköy Women’s Prison


This article analyzed the findings of the chapter included in the research “Being a Woman in Prison” about the relationships of incarcerated mothers with their children. The research was conducted between April 2011 and May 2012 with different sociological research techniques such as face-to-face interviews, surveys, and observations. In general, if a female inmate has a baby or a toddler, she takes her children with her. Kids who are older than six years of age usually stay with their fathers or other close relatives. Also, these children are commonly admitted to government agencies (such as the Society for the Protection of 1Children). Whether or not they have their children with them in prison, incarcerated mothers try to perform their motherhood responsibilities despite the challenges caused by the circumstances of the prison. Even though they cannot fulfill most of their motherhood duties, mothers in prison regard themselves as good parents. They try to alleviate the stigmatization of being an inmate by showing how good and competent mothers they are despite the circumstances that have caused their incarceration. Inmates who have their children with them in prison feel heartbroken and sorry since they are obliging their kids to have the experience of incarceration. Women who have left their kids outside of the prison walls also feel guilty since their incarceration causes stigmatization in the lives of their kids. Besides, these mothers cannot be with their children when their children need them. It is truly important for imprisoned mothers to maintain good relationships with their children during their sentences. Maintaining these relationships and being respected as a mother play quite an important role in their self-reflections/ideas of themselves. Being a mother provides enormous strength to tolerate the conditions of the prison. Additionally, motherhood is one of the most important mechanisms of reintegration and participation in society after their sentences are over.


Keywords


Sociology, Prison, İncarcerated Mothers, Motherhood, Child.

Author : İpek MERÇİL
Number of pages: 2009-2021
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.29228/TurkishStudies.43552
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Turkish Studies-Social Sciences
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