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The core conditions of peer mentoring
Buck, Gillian
Buck, Gillian
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2017-03-21
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Abstract
Peer mentoring is an increasing feature of UK criminal justice, yet very little is known about the micro dynamics of this practice. Drawing upon an ethnographic study, this article identifies a number of ‘core conditions’ underpinning the practice, including caring, listening and encouraging small steps. Mentors and mentees highlight these conditions as antidotes to what they often perceive as disconnected, unhearing and technocratic criminal justice practices. Peer mentoring is claimed to release suffering, to unburden the self of grief and to explore new directions, given that mentors ‘genuinely care’ and are tolerant of slip-ups. Respondents offer valuable insight into the experience of being intervened upon and advocate for manageable shifts, which could meaningfully improve services for a range of vulnerable and stigmatized populations. However, the article also introduces tensions, including the expectation of emotional toil for little financial reward and the context of an increasingly results-driven criminal justice system.
Citation
Buck, G. (2018). The core conditions of peer mentoring. Criminology & Criminal Justice, 18(2), 190-206. https://doi.org/10.1177/1748895817699659
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Journal
Criminology & Criminal Justice
Research Unit
DOI
10.1177/1748895817699659
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PubMed Central ID
Type
Article
Language
en
Description
Buck, G., The core conditions of peer mentoring, Criminology & Criminal Justice. Copyright © [2017]. Reprinted by permission of SAGE Publications.
Series/Report no.
ISSN
1748-8958
EISSN
1748-8966