Award Date

5-15-2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Criminal Justice

First Committee Member

Alexandra Nur

Second Committee Member

Margaret Alexis Kennedy

Third Committee Member

Alexandra Slemaker

Fourth Committee Member

Emily Troshynski

Number of Pages

98

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of job satisfaction in mediating the relationship between employment, vocational training, and recidivism. Recidivism remains a major issue in the United States, with a substantial portion of formerly incarcerated individuals returning to criminal behavior and, in many cases, being reincarcerated. The relationship between work and crime has been well established, however not all jobs are equal, and the protective effects of employment can vary across jobs. Employment has been cited as one of the most important factors in reducing recidivism, yet many individuals face barriers to securing stable and quality employment due to their criminal records, unstable work histories, and societal stigma. Even when employment is secured, these jobs are often characterized by low wages, unstable work hours, and limited or no benefits. Research suggests that acquiring skills and credentials through vocational training can enhance employment eligibility and thereby increase access to higher-quality employment opportunities. The main findings of this study are consistent with prior research indicating that employment is negatively associated with recidivism. Policy implications include reentry programs that provide access to stable and quality employment and vocational training aimed at improving employment opportunities and outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Keywords

Employment; Formerly incarcerated individuals; Job quality; Job satisfaction; Recidivism; Reentry

Disciplines

Criminology | Criminology and Criminal Justice | Social and Behavioral Sciences

File Format

PDF

File Size

823 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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