Thesis Chapters by Will Mingus
Using data collected from 30 face-to-face interviews with individuals who were, at the time, list... more Using data collected from 30 face-to-face interviews with individuals who were, at the time, listed on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry, this study examines how individuals with a concealable (hidden) stigma navigate a daily existence interacting with others who know, others who do not know, and others who may or may not know about the individual’s stigmatized status of being listed on the registry. The experiences of those who were interviewed is contextualized by examining the socially-constructed nature of the category of “sex offender” as well as the social context of legislation, litigation, academic response, and advocacy organizations related to public sex offender registries. The interviews highlight the difficulties faced by those on the registry as they decide whether or not to disclose their status, and if so, to whom, when, where, and how. Various reasons for disclosure are discussed and juxtaposed to studies of other stigmatized groups. Next, the interview data reveal the obdurate persistence of the stigma of being on such a registry and how the stigma encroaches on nearly every aspect of an individual’s life. Finally, this study considers alternates to public shaming tools like public registries. These alternatives include restorative justice, law enforcement only registries, and Circles of Support and Accountability (COSAs).
Papers by Will Mingus
American Journal of Criminal Justice, Mar 2014
In this paper we seek to assess the effects of the neighborhood context on sex offenders’ percept... more In this paper we seek to assess the effects of the neighborhood context on sex offenders’ perceptions of their neighbor’s willingness to support them upon release. We also examine the effect of the neighborhood context on sex offenders’ feelings of stress and the need for secrecy, potential risk factors for recidivism. Using survey data obtained from a sample of 333 in-treatment sex offenders, we find that the neighborhood social context exerts an important influence on sex offenders’ perceptions of neighborhood support. We also find that offenders are less likely to worry about the negative repercussions of their status as a sex offender when they perceive higher levels of neighborhood support. Despite the limitations of the sample, implications of this research indicate a need for policies that promote public awareness of local sex offenders while also offering education and understanding about potential barriers to successful sex offender reintegration.
Criminal Justice Studies, Mar 2012
"This research examines social–psychological consequences associated with being stigmatized as a ... more "This research examines social–psychological consequences associated with being stigmatized as a sex offender. Surveys administered to 150 sex offenders were analyzed using modified labeling theory to examine the effect of a sex offender’s
perception of devaluation and/or discrimination on his ability to successfully rejoin society following conviction of a sex offense. Findings indicate that the more an offender fears being devalued and/or discriminated against, the more likely he is to avoid activities that could facilitate social reintegration, suggesting that the stigmatizing label placed on sex offenders may lead to
unintended consequences."
Social Thought and Research
Mass shootings, such as the ones that occurred at Columbine, Virginia Tech, NIU, and Ford Hood, r... more Mass shootings, such as the ones that occurred at Columbine, Virginia Tech, NIU, and Ford Hood, receive considerable attention in the public arena. Though race is seldom highlighted as a significant considering in these tragedies, this paper considers the role that race plays in mass shootings. Of particular importance is they way in which the race of the perpetrator influences the response of the media and the public. Mass shootings are viewed through the lens of Omi & Winant’s (1994) Racial Formation Theory. The prominence given to the race of the perpetrator when the shooter is anything but white, and the deliberate omission of race in discussions of white shooters, suggests a racial project that results in both white privilege and an opposing, “forever foreigner” status for non-whites.
Criminal Justice and Behavior
"Community registration laws requiring sex offenders to register with local law enforcement have ... more "Community registration laws requiring sex offenders to register with local law enforcement have become increasingly popular
and increasingly restrictive in recent years. Although these laws were passed under the auspices of protecting communities
from dangerous and violent sexual predators, little research has addressed their efficacy or their consequences. Building
on a social capital framework that emphasizes the resources provided by local ties to family, friends, and the community, data
from semistructured interviews with 23 sex offenders were analyzed to explore their experiences with local social capital
while being registered and on and off of parole. Sex offenders discuss problems accessing and participating in networks of
local social capital, incidents of community residential mobilization against them, and their experiences with formal barriers to social capital, including parole restrictions."
Uploads
Thesis Chapters by Will Mingus
Papers by Will Mingus
perception of devaluation and/or discrimination on his ability to successfully rejoin society following conviction of a sex offense. Findings indicate that the more an offender fears being devalued and/or discriminated against, the more likely he is to avoid activities that could facilitate social reintegration, suggesting that the stigmatizing label placed on sex offenders may lead to
unintended consequences."
and increasingly restrictive in recent years. Although these laws were passed under the auspices of protecting communities
from dangerous and violent sexual predators, little research has addressed their efficacy or their consequences. Building
on a social capital framework that emphasizes the resources provided by local ties to family, friends, and the community, data
from semistructured interviews with 23 sex offenders were analyzed to explore their experiences with local social capital
while being registered and on and off of parole. Sex offenders discuss problems accessing and participating in networks of
local social capital, incidents of community residential mobilization against them, and their experiences with formal barriers to social capital, including parole restrictions."
perception of devaluation and/or discrimination on his ability to successfully rejoin society following conviction of a sex offense. Findings indicate that the more an offender fears being devalued and/or discriminated against, the more likely he is to avoid activities that could facilitate social reintegration, suggesting that the stigmatizing label placed on sex offenders may lead to
unintended consequences."
and increasingly restrictive in recent years. Although these laws were passed under the auspices of protecting communities
from dangerous and violent sexual predators, little research has addressed their efficacy or their consequences. Building
on a social capital framework that emphasizes the resources provided by local ties to family, friends, and the community, data
from semistructured interviews with 23 sex offenders were analyzed to explore their experiences with local social capital
while being registered and on and off of parole. Sex offenders discuss problems accessing and participating in networks of
local social capital, incidents of community residential mobilization against them, and their experiences with formal barriers to social capital, including parole restrictions."