Enabling agency in constrained contexts: How restorative entrepreneuring supports reintegration post-incarceration

Wainwright, Lee; Muñoz, Pablo

Abstract

This article explores how agency is enabled in highly constrained contexts as at-risk individuals engage in restorative entrepreneuring. Focusing on the entrepreneurial journeys of ten former prisoners after their release, the research reveals a complex process of reintegration, in which agency is both hindered and enabled as individuals move from the structured environment of prison to the challenges of the external business world. Through life-story research and process-tracing analysis, we show that successful rehabilitation requires individuals to navigate a delicate balance: enabling their agency through entrepreneurship while also relinquishing control to replicate the supportive structures they had in prison. Our findings highlight the iterative nature of this process and emphasise the critical role of societal and systemic support in facilitating both reintegration and positive entrepreneurial outcomes. This research highlights the challenges former prisoners face in rebuilding their lives and careers, illustrating the intricate balance required to regain agency and achieve long-term stability.

Citation

Wainwright, L., & Muñoz, P. (online). Enabling agency in constrained contexts: How restorative entrepreneuring supports reintegration post-incarceration. International Small Business Journal, https://doi.org/10.1177/02662426251318646

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 22, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Feb 25, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jan 22, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 28, 2025
• Journal: International Small Business Journal
• Print ISSN: 0266-2426
• Electronic ISSN: 1741-2870
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/02662426251318646
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3346611