"The misery becomes beautiful" : A study of how women with experience of crime, based on documentary stories, describe themselves and their criminal role.

In this study, we have examined how nine different women with experiences of crimedescribe themselves and their role in criminal environments. Through a thematic narrativeanalysis of two Swedish documentary series, the women's own stories have been analyzed.The results indicate a clear chronology from an unsafe childhood with a lack of social bondsto stepping into crime where they are influenced by social belonging and loyalty. The womendescribe themselves both as active agents and enablers, and their identity appears to be fluid.We are exposed to emotional expressions such as fear, shame, and indifference, but also love.They provide us with insights into a daily life where crime has become normalized. They findthemselves in complex and difficult situations marked by criminal acts, vulnerability, andsubstance abuse, making it hard for the women to leave the criminal life. The study highlightsthe need to pay attention to gender-specific risk factors, as well as to develop supportmeasures that meet women based on their own experiences and context.