Bounded Engagement and Institutional Interdependency: Exploring Formerly Incarcerated Adults’ (Non)Engagement Experiences and Perceptions

Objectives Quantitative studies of institutional (non)engagement are limited by available measures and temporal ordering concerns. Using unique and detailed qualitative data, we examine (non)engagement behaviors and perceptions among formerly incarcerated adults. Methods We conducted around 100 face-to-face interviews to elicit rich information about an array of behaviors and perceptions for three key formal institutions: financial, medical, and employment. Results Almost everyone in our sample was at least partially engaged post-release and experienced bounded engagement as they navigated the option set available to them. When people were not engaged, common reasons included insufficient funds to meet bank requirements or institutional or logistical barriers to access, which align with an administrative burden perspective. Concerns about wage garnishment, a system avoidance explanation, were also raised; however, avoidance was rare and contained to the relevant institution(s). We also observed institutional interdependency, where barriers encountered with one institution could prevent engagement in another. Conclusions Reducing or removing barriers to healthcare insurance and access, minimum balance requirements, and burdens placed on job applicants with criminal records can improve institutional engagement. Alleviating burdens in one domain (e.g., formal identification or schedule restrictions) may also improve access in other institutions (such as formal employment or bank accounts).