Women, Employment and Stigma of Crime: Narratives of Former Female Convicts from West Bengal

Abstract

This paper delves into the workplace struggles of formerly incarcerated women, exploring how past convictions and intersecting stigmas (gender, caste, class) shape their experiences. Through in-depth interviews, four crucial themes emerged: 1. Fear of Exposure: Participants dread their record's disclosure, hindering job security; 2. Exploitation's Shadow: Feelings of being taken advantage of are prevalent in their narratives; 3. Navigating Discrimination: Manipulating perceptions and facing discriminatory behavior define their daily reality; and 4. Layered Stigma: Criminal status intertwines with other societal biases, amplifying the challenges.

The findings highlight the complex web of stigmas faced by these women, urging us to move beyond a singular criminal record lens and acknowledge the intersectional factors shaping their workplace experiences.