Edinburgh Napier University

  This chapter explores the role that stigma plays in frustrating desistance from crime, drawing parallels throughout with similar negative dynamics in recovery from substance use. Having introduced the concept of stigma, this chapter shows how conceptualisations of desistance have incorporated and adapted insights from labelling theory, so that desistance from crime is usually understood to involve the move towards a non-offending identity. The chapter outlines mechanisms by which stigma acts as a barrier to change, through: hopelessness and shame; reducing informal support and opportunities to assume new social roles/identities; reducing access to and quality of formal help and support for change; and through a refusal by others to accept change. The chapter then explores the role of other people – professionals, communities and the state – in overcoming stigma and so facilitating desistance. It discusses recent attempts to invoke an aspirational desistance, characterised by belonging and inclusion. The chapter concludes with reviewing the importance of refocusing desistance research and practice away from the individual and onto the communities and societies into which people are desisting, and echoes recent arguments of the promise inherent in social movements to challenge stigma and reshape communities to support change.