Belongingness Behind Bars: A Surprising Antidote to Criminal Behavior

Robin LaBarbera • November 17, 2023

In discussions about the roots of criminal behavior, researchers often discuss the concept of belongingness. Decades of research has linked prolonged social exclusion to involvement in criminal behavior (Liu & Su, 2023).

Importance of belongingness

Belonging is defined as a unique and subjective experience that relates to a yearning for connection with others, the need for positive regard and the desire for interpersonal connection (Rogers, 1951).

A sense of belonging has been described as a fundamental human motivation underpinned by an all-encompassing need to belong that we continually seek to find and maintain (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). It is our sense of belonging and its importance to us as a species that shapes the way our relationships with others, groups, and even whole communities function.

An absence of belonging has negative and devastating effects on people, both physically and psychologically.

Human beings are inherently social creatures, and the desire to belong is a fundamental aspect of our nature. When individuals lack a sense of belonging, whether due to social isolation, economic disenfranchisement, or other factors, they may seek solace in unconventional communities, sometimes manifesting in criminal associations. In such instances, criminal behavior can be seen as an attempt to fill the void left by a lack of belongingness.

Belongingness in prison

It may come as a surprise to some, but within the prison system, efforts are being made to harness the power of belongingness to rehabilitate prepare currently incarcerated men and women for reintegration into their communities.

Establishing a sense of community among currently incarcerated men and women has shown positive impacts on behavior, reducing the likelihood of recidivism. Programs focusing on education, vocational training, and therapy create a supportive environment that fosters a shared sense of purpose and mutual respect.

One notable example is the emergence of prison education programs. By offering incarcerated men and women the opportunity to acquire new skills or pursue academic endeavors, these programs not only contribute to rehabilitation, but also create a sense of belonging among participants. The shared pursuit of knowledge and personal development establishes a community within the prison, where individuals support each other in their quest for self-improvement.

The tireless work of Pastor Charles Anderson, through his organization Epihipany Life Change serves as a remarkable example of how a theological education program in prison creates that sense of belonging for the men in Texas prisons he ministers to as he facilitates World Impact’s church-based seminary training behind bars.

The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) offers a 16-module curriculum, taught at a seminary level, which was specifically designed to serve as the most essential knowledge and skill learning necessary for effective urban ministry and church leadership. Dedicated partners like Charles take the training to men and women inside prison walls across the country.

The camaraderie built through collaborative learning and Bible knowledge acquisition contributes to a positive atmosphere within the prison community, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose that extends beyond the confines of incarceration.

Class sessions provide a platform for inmates to gain Biblical knowledge and share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, creating a supportive network that combats the isolation often associated with incarceration. The shared journey towards rehabilitation and self-discovery enhances inmates' self-esteem and instills a sense of belonging that can serve as a powerful deterrent to criminal relapse as they become equipped to share the gospel in their communities.

Educational communities such as those operated by Ephiphany Life Change are therapeutic in nature. They promote a sense of belonging, improve participants’ self-esteem and increase overall well-being, which are central to behavioral change (Pearce & Pickard, 2013).

The intricate link between belongingness and criminal behavior suggests that addressing the fundamental human need for connection can be a key element in the rehabilitation of those who are incarcerated. The positive developments within prison systems, where belongingness is actively cultivated through educational programs offers hope for breaking the cycle of criminality. By recognizing and harnessing the power of belongingness, society can contribute to the transformation of individuals, ultimately fostering a safer and more compassionate community for all.

If such communities can improve the outcomes of incarcerated individuals during their sentence and in the reentry process, in terms of belongingness, overall well-being, and avoiding recidivism, it makes sense that we should have more of them. What do you think?

References

Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497-529. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.117.3.497

Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy. Oxford, England: Houghton Mifflin.

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