By Jason L. Jackson
More than one million men are currently incarcerated in state and federal prisons throughout the United States, leaving families to cope with their absence.
Timothy Durant is more than a resident at San Quentin; he is a father who is supportive of his family back in Southern California. Durant believes that men represent the security of a community — physically, financially, and emotionally — and without good men in a community, it can become vulnerable to abuse.
“A lot of times, just the presence of a strong man can improve an environment, and I’ve been guilty of not realizing how important I am to my kids and my family,” said Durant. He recalled how his father was not “hands-on,” leaving him without a healthy blueprint to model.
Studies conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics reveal that there were 1,124,435 men incarcerated in U.S. prisons at the end of 2023. Black and Hispanic men accounted for a combined 645,000 incarcerated men, more than half the total number. Black men made up the largest percentage of incarcerated men. With 379,400 Black men imprisoned in 2023, they had an incarceration rate that was five times that of white adults, and twice that of Hispanic adults.
Research from the Office of Justice Programs reveals that the absence of male role models within a community can lead to increased rates of violence and violent crimes, especially among the youth.
“The violence comes from various reasons. Oftentimes in our neighborhoods, there are few male role models, a lack of jobs, and drugs, and everyone is fighting for what little is available,” said SQ resident Makeith Mason, a native of Richmond, California.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that Black people suffer from the highest murder rates in the U.S.
Mason recalled how the lack of men in his family became the catalyst to him turning to the streets not only in search of other men to be around, but to find ways to provide for his family.
“Young boys end up in positions where they have to play so many roles they shouldn’t be in because of the lack of men around,” said Mason.
According to an article by Retiredom, the roles that young boys inadvertently assume often lead them into criminal lifestyles that end in death or incarceration, creating a cycle that perpetuates the growing absence of men in communities while placing further strain on families.
“For the women in my family, I had to be the son, the brother, friend, protector, and provider while still a teenager,” said Mason.
Mason said because he was a major provider, his family suffered financially and emotionally after he was sent to prison.
Jennifer Schwartz of Pennsylvania State University said in a report that persistent strain on families can affect the relationships incarcerated men have with their community.
“My kids are disappointed in me because I’m here. I missed my daughter’s prom and her graduation. It’s been a lot. Plus, a lot has happened to them that wouldn’t have happened if I was there,” said Durant. “My girls feel less protected. No men around creates a void in women’s lives, and they can become lonely and desperate for the wrong attention.”
Studies by Retiredom highlighted that the absence of male role models can have a negative impact on the maturity of young children, especially young boys.
Aside from the increased probability of violence, research from Retiredom reveals that without men present to help raise them, young boys may develop low self-esteem, struggle with emotional control, become less productive in school, and develop issues with creating and maintaining relationships. These factors can make a young man less prepared when graduating school, finding a job, or raising a family.
“There is a gap because the male perspective has been removed from a house that ends up predominately occupied by women,” said SQ resident Michael “Mik’ael” Walker, Jr. Walker said the absence of men leaves a void that result in young boys not learning how to be masculine in healthy ways, potentially causing them to make volatile decisions in life.
Schwartz wrote that the effect from years of mass incarceration has rippled through communities, leaving hundreds of thousands of men in prison and families without the male influence needed to thrive.
“The absence of men means the foundation of the community becomes weakened, and leaves us underdeveloped as a people, mentally, economically, spiritually, and socially,” said Walker.