Master Theses & Projects (FSSH)

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In pursuit of the good life: masculinity and reintegration
(2024-08-01) Stevenson, Alia M.; Harkins, Leigh; Cesaroni, Carla
Successful reintegration is not simply desistance from crime but a fulfilling life without crime. These studies utilize the Good Lives Model (GLM) and masculinity theory to understand barriers or facilitators to reintegration for previously incarcerated men. In Study 1, a sample of 35 previously incarcerated men were utilized to examine whether endorsement of masculine norms and achievement of goods in the GLM were related to perceived reintegration success. Results showed that self-reliance (i.e., reluctance to seek help) and emotional control (i.e., reluctance to share emotions) were negatively related to the achievement of goods in the GLM. In Study 2, 19 participants from Study 1 were interviewed to explore the above themes in greater depth. Barriers and facilitators consistent with Study 1 were observed, with self-reliance and emotional control emerging as key themes. The current studies highlight both positive and potentially problematic conceptions about being a man that could be applied alongside the GLM in reintegrative programming.
Forced sterilization in the 21st century: A qualitative analysis of women's experiences in Canada
(2024-08-01) Morton, Mckenzie A.; Cesaroni, Carla
Among women’s reproductive rights issues, non-consensual sterilization (NCS) is commonly overlooked or mistaken as a historical issue, despite being prevalent today. While sexual sterilization can have benefits, it is traumatic when performed without consent. Research suggests that women belonging to marginalized groups – particularly racialized or cultural minorities, women with intellectual disabilities, impoverished women - have historically faced higher risks of NCS in Canada. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the scope of this issue, this study proposes a secondary analysis of the testimonies of women who have undergone NCS in Canada in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Utilizing qualitative methodologies, the study identifies common themes in these narratives, which call particular attention to the systemic failures in Canadian healthcare ethics and practice, the psychological and cultural consequences of NCS, and the demand for justice by survivors. Feminist bioethics provides a critical framework, emphasizing the importance of intersecting social identities.
Consent and sexual assault in heterosexual versus same-sex sexual encounters
(2024-07-01) Kirkpatrick, Sarah M. M.; Emeno, Karla; Vettor, Shannon
Consent is a vital component of all sexual encounters, and its absence can lead to harmful sexual behaviours. Although the concepts of consent and sexual assault should be applied appropriately to all individuals, this may not be the case. This thesis examined whether public perceptions of consent and sexual assault differ based on participant gender and rape myth acceptance, as well as the sexual orientation of individuals portrayed in various sexual encounter vignettes. It also examined whether specific behaviours are perceived as universally consenting or non-consenting by participants. Results of this study suggest that the public can accurately identify consent and sexual assault, with little evidence for differences across heterosexual versus homosexual vignettes. However, male participants with high rape myth acceptance demonstrated diminished accuracy in identifying consent and sexual assault in certain scenarios. Several behaviours were found to be reasonably universally consenting and non-consenting by participants. Implications will be discussed.
It gets better? Comparing the experiences of LGB and heterosexual Canadians
(2024-08-01) Janssen, Larissa; Cesaroni, Carla
LGBTQ+ individuals are a vulnerable population in Canada. Adolescence, being an important developmental period for identity development, is understood as particularly challenging for LGBTQ+ youths. With heightened rates of suicide for this population, claims like “it gets better” have been used to inspire hope and motivate young queer folks in the transition to adulthood. This thesis examines whether queer people’s lives truly do improve after adolescence. Using a nationally representative secondary data set, this thesis compares the well-being and life satisfaction of queer and non-queer individuals in adolescence, emerging adulthood, and adulthood. Results indicate that, on average, aspects of life do not improve soon after adolescence, and that, for queer participants, life did not improve until after emerging adulthood. This study provides insights into the complex developmental trajectories of queer Canadians and the need for more comprehensive support services in early adulthood.
Exploring perceptions of barriers to sex and intimacy in an inpatient intimacy recovery service
(2024-08-01) Cressman, Calvin; Harkins, Leigh
This thesis explored service users’ and service providers’ perceptions of barriers to intimacy at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. The service under investigation was Our Place—a clinical service room clients can book for intimate activities. Study 1 provided an overview of utilization rates for Our Place and asked clients to identify barriers that impacted their pursuit of intimate needs. Analyses were performed to investigate whether alleviating barriers could increase clients’ interest in using Our Place. Study 2 asked staff to identify barriers that impacted their ability to support the intimate needs of clients and identify resources needed to overcome them. Analyses were undertaken to investigate whether alleviating barriers or developing skills predicted increases in service providers’ abilities to support clients. The results of both studies suggest alleviating barriers and providing further resources can increase clients’ interest in Our Place and employees’ abilities to support their intimacy needs.
Cybercrime and public criminology
(2023-12-01) Savage, Jonah A.; Downing, Steven
The enigmatic nature of cybercrime is an enduring theme across the criminology literature. As a result, a disconnect between stakeholders involved in digital crime seems to contribute to irresponsible discourse and ineffective policy. Further, this confusion has created a competition of interests in which narratives surrounding cybercrime inherit the ideology of the ‘winning’ sector (Habermas, 2015). It seems that private security is currently having undue influence over this discourse, and as such, narratives surrounding cybercrime remain marketized (Banks, 2015). Thus far, public criminologists have yet to adequately adapt to the merging of the technological and social realms, an adaptation that is a necessity in avoiding a continuation of punitive crime control trends (see Crepault, 2017; Garland and Sparks, 2000). The intersection of public criminology and digital criminology lies in discourse generation and the messaging the key cybercrime stakeholders provide to the public. This paper draws from eight semi-structured interviews with cybercrime experts in private security, financial institutions, academia, litigation, and law enforcement. The objective of this project is to spur a conversation between the different stakeholders explored below by merging the considerations of cybercrime and public criminology.
Formerly incarcerated women’s online accounts of pathways to criminality and incarceration: a contribution to feminist pathways theory
(2023-11-01) Arabzadah, Sabrina; Alvi, Shahid
Some feminist scholars argue that pathways research is not truly representative of girls’ and women’s pathways to crime. This paper uses the gendered pathways theory that recognizes and highlights some of the unique factors that can influence women's pathways into crime. Pathways theory has been criticized because it does not recognize the interconnectedness of risk factors (e.g., substance abuse, familial relationships, and mental health struggles), and two being that the research focuses on only a select few risk factors. This study uses narrative criminology to present women’s stories to understand their pathways to criminality in their own voices. Using first-person accounts from the blog, My Story in a Women’s Prison, female offenders’ own perspectives and perceptions of their pathway to criminality and incarceration were analyzed. This paper concludes that women’s own voices online can highlight how they perceive their risk factors, providing legitimacy to the gendered pathways theory.
Acknowledging offender trauma at intake: a qualitative thematic analysis of Canadian correctional policy
(2023-08-01) Quinn-Hogan, Ashlee; Dhungana-Sainju, Karla
Trauma has seldom been discussed in the literature in relation to incarceration. The research that does exist has tended to be gendered, focusing predominantly on the trauma experiences of female offenders. The current study examined the written policies that guide the Offender Intake Assessment (OIA) process in Canada to assess the extent to which trauma is being considered at point of intake, particularly for male offenders. A descriptive research design was used to assess the level of policy specific attention given to trauma and trauma-informed correctional care (TICC). An examination of current policies, audits/reviews, and action plans revealed 11 key themes. The results of this study reveal a need for improved policy guidelines for addressing the trauma experiences of male offenders in Canada. Implications, limitations, and future directions are also considered
Silenced by the surname?: South Asian parents’ perceptions of child sexual abuse disclosure and recantation
(2023-08-01) Kalher, Ramanjot Kaur; Malloy, Lindsay
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a serious public health concern affecting millions. Identifying such abuse typically requires disclosure from victims—a challenging task considering potential social, familial, and ethnic barriers surrounding disclosure. Since honour, modesty, and shame are pervasive within South Asian communities, familial reputation may trump CSA transgressions. Moreover, given the taboos around sexual matters in the South Asian community, children may face difficulties disclosing their sexual abuse experiences. Using a cross-national survey and hypothetical vignettes, we investigated South Asian and White parents’ perceptions of CSA disclosures and recantations and examined how these relate to the CSA victim’s relationship with the perpetrator. Findings indicate that regardless of ethnic group or perpetrator relationship, parents tended to react with high levels of support following the story child’s disclosure. However, there were differences by ethnic group and perpetrator type following recantation, highlighting the importance of educating parents around various disclosure patterns like recantation.
Dual-task interference and its influence on deception detection and memory
(2023-08-01) Blake, Chelsea K.; Leach, Amy-May
Using a dual-task paradigm, I examined how engaging in executive function tasks impacted deception detection and memory performance. University students (N = 185) were randomly assigned to detect deception while also performing a concurrent monitoring, memory, planning, motor, or visual task, or no additional task (single-task control). Compared to those in the single-task control condition, participants in the memory and planning conditions were significantly less likely to be accurate when detecting deception. Those in the memory condition self-reported experiencing higher ratings of cognitive load and exhibited poorer recognition. Differences in decision-making processes could not account for these effects. The results suggest performance deficits in deception detection can be attributable to isolated cognitive demands; even simply adding a secondary task can be impactful. Investigative interviewers may be particularly disadvantaged when under different types of cognitive load while detecting deception.
Mapping the developmental trajectories of chronic offenders in Canada
(2023-07-01) Pullman, Mari J.; Emeno, Karla
The current study analyzed convicted chronic offenders that were charged with at least two offences in the region of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, between 2006 and 2019 (N = 11,426) in order to investigate the relationship between specialization (i.e., committing the same crime type repeatedly) and versatility (i.e., committing a variety of crime types) which have commonly been viewed as mutually exclusive. It aimed to determine whether: (1) committing a certain crime in the past makes an individual more likely to commit that same crime in the future, (2) having an affinity for specific crimes makes an individual more likely to commit certain other crimes, and (3) offenders are likely to move throughout the clusters identified in objective 2 in a consistent fashion. In achieving objective 1, a logistic regression identified that in almost all crime types assessed, a prior conviction for a certain offence increased an individual’s chances of being convicted of that same offence in the future. This finding provides support for the overarching goal of policies and regulations that target chronic offenders (e.g., the National Sex Offender Registry). Both objectives 2 and 3 yielded less distinct results, suggesting that specialization and versatility are likely not mutually exclusive and that offenders are likely to repeat certain crimes in tandem with other crimes.
Carrying the burden: a study on the reported experiences and the lifelong impact of growing up with a serial killer parent
(2023-08-01) Krasowski, Mackenzie; Scott, Hannah; Hinch, Ron
This thesis explores the experiences of the offspring of serial killers and how they were impacted by their parent's crimes. The study employed a thematic analysis of six subjects who wrote biographies detailing their experiences with a serial killer parent or guardian. The children’s accounts revealed the complex relationships with their serial killer parent and their relationship with their family. This thesis also discusses the offspring’s interactions with legal and social entities resulting from their parent's crimes, how they were impacted by their parent's crimes, the subject’s overall experience, and revelations about their life. The results displayed that the offspring of serial killers identified various adverse social, emotional, mental, and physical experiences. Additionally, it was found that due to their parent's crimes, the subjects encountered phenomena such as internal and external stigmatization, indirect victimization, internalized guilt, and trauma-related symptoms.
Are we where we should be? Assessing investigative interviewing practices and training of officers in the Force Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force
(2023-06-01) Ogunseye, Funmilola; Eastwood, Joseph
In the criminal justice system, investigative interviewing is crucial for getting information that helps law enforcement agencies resolve cases. While there is a relative wealth of scholarly studies on investigative interviewing procedures in the West, there is a paucity of empirical research assessing this concept in Nigeria and Africa. To begin to fill this gap in literature, a paper and pen questionnaire was administered to Police Investigators (N = 64) in the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force assessing their investigative interviewing practices and training. Results showed that some police officers had received some training, but only a few had been specifically trained on evidence-based investigative interviewing techniques. Most police officers reported not favouring coercive techniques in their practices. Implications of this study on investigative interviewing practices in Nigeria will be discussed.
Squeegee Punks reunite: safe streets for all: an insider qualitative study
(2023-06-01) Blondeau, Sam; Frederick, Tyler
Squeegee Punks were a fixture on many busy street corners in urban cities in Canada in the mid to late 1990s. During the height of the squeegee kid phenomenon, multiple studies were conducted on how squeegee work impacted street kids and their subsequent criminalization through the Ontario Safe Street Act. However, studies have not been conducted on Ontario's former Squeegee Kids since 1999. This insider qualitative research provides the lived experience perspective of (n=9) squeegee workers from the 1990s. This study used the following guiding research questions: 1) How did Squeegee Punks in Ontario experience the moral panic surrounding squeegee work? 2) What can the processes surrounding the construction and management of a squeegee punk deviant identity add to our understanding of how people navigate deviant identities? 3) What social and historical conditions interacted with the moral panic to shape the Squeegee Punk deviant identity? 4) What policy lessons can we learn from the experiences of Squeegee Punks in the 1990s, and what alternative policy responses were available?
Promoting self-determination amongst youth in conflict with the law: are advocates doing their part?
(2023-01-01) Simonetta, Tristan; Cesaroni, Carla
This thesis used data from eleven advocacy reports published between 1998-2017 in the province of Ontario. The reports ranged from specific youth facilities such as the Roy McMurtry and Hamilton Wentworth centers to reports that generally focused on the experiences of youth in conflict with the law. The study aimed to understand how well youth in conflict with the law are provided with the tools to better self-advocate. To do this, a qualitative study was conducted using a grounded theory approach to uncover key themes. Three overarching themes were explored: Conditions of Confinement, Lack of Access to Advocacy, and Youth Self-Development. Ryan and Deci’s (2001) Self-Determination Theory were used to analyze how well advocates promoted the self-determination of youth in conflict with the law through autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Findings suggest that youth struggle in relationships, are not provided with the tools to succeed, and lack autonomy all of which are in opposition to notions of self-determination.
Easy skins, easy life: a chronological case study of loot boxes and transferable cosmetic items in the video game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
(2022-12-01) Nguyen, Phillip; Downing, Steven
Video game publishers have continually developed novel methods of maximizing revenues from video game titles. Modern gaming customarily involves paid downloadable content that further monetizes a base game. Loot boxes, which are virtual chests that contain cosmetic upgrades unlocked for a small monetary fee, are an example of such a phenomenon. The academic literature surrounding loot boxes and related skin gambling is in its infancy: these items debuted in 2010, and little had been published prior to 2017. This study seeks to add to this body of literature by charting the history of virtual skins and loot boxes in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). Through a chronological exploratory case study, this thesis examines loot box mechanics, match-fixing, and skins gambling in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. This analysis also highlights potentially problematic and unlawful behaviours of actors within this unregulated space and the associated various governmental responses to loot boxes. Valve’s actions and response to the iBUYPOWER match-fixing scandal are analyzed in the context of deterrence theory and stakeholder roles, outlining why their response was ineffective in curtailing future instances of match-fixing.
#RodneyReed: a content and thematic analysis of a trending innocence campaign
(2022-12-01) Cardoso, Carina M.; Clow, Kimberley A.
Having spent 23 years (and counting) on death row for a murder conviction which is believed to be wrongful, Rodney Reed’s innocence campaign was shared on social media by celebrities, news organizations, and the public (Barajas, 2021), accruing over 2 million signatures in support (Bates, 2019), and resulting in a stay of execution. His campaign is one of many movements (e.g., #BLM, #MeToo) that have used social media to mobilize the public through information dissemination, opinion expression, and online activism (Sandoval-Almazan & Gil-Garcia, 2014). To better understand this viral campaign, we conducted a content and thematic analysis of 740 randomly sampled tweets that included “#RodneyReed” between February 13th, 2015, to November 15th, 2019. The major themes are discussed in the context of social media activism and wrongful conviction. The results focus on how individuals used Twitter to act on behalf of Rodney Reed through sharing facts, opinions, and activist actions.
Parents’ perceptions of their children’s lie telling in the context of sibling relationships
(2021-08-01) Filoso, Daniella; Malloy, Lindsay
Familial influences on children’s deception are understudied. This thesis examined children’s lie telling in the context of sibling relationships by surveying parents on the types of lies told by children in the sibling context (e.g., pro- and antisocial), the quality of the sibling relationship, and parent socialization (e.g., encouragement and punishment) of lie telling. Children’s lies were “rare” in the sibling context, and antisocial lies were more frequent than prosocial lies. Sibling Conflict was positively and significantly predictive of pro- and antisocial lies in the sibling context; Sibling Warmth was not a significant predictor of either lie type. Parent encouragement was “very rare”, and punishment was “occasional.” Parent encouragement and punishment were significant, positive predictors of pro- and antisocial lies in the sibling context. These findings highlight how siblings and parents can potentially influence children’s lie telling.
Impact of terrorism awareness training on civilian likelihood to report pre-incident behaviours
(2020-08-01) Bencic, Renee Michelle; Emeno, Karla
This study investigated whether terrorism awareness training impacts the likelihood to report pre-incident behaviours associated with terrorism using infographics from the U.S. “See Something, Say Something” campaign. Additional factors were considered to gain a comprehensive understanding of variables that influence reporting. With a sample of 342 students, mixed ANOVAs revealed a higher mean likelihood to formally and informally report pre-incident behaviours than nonempirical indicators, regardless of training. For pre-incident behaviours, regression analyses revealed likelihood to formally report increased as diffusion of responsibility and perceptions of community safety decreased, whereas informal reporting increased as delinquency decreased. For nonempirical indicators, the regression model for likelihood to formally report failed to reach significance, whereas informal reporting increased for those impacted by terrorism or not exposed to training, and as positive police perceptions and social disconnectedness increased. This expands the research on terrorism-related reporting and offers novel insight into factors that influence reporting decisions.
Gendered pathways: family violence as a primary pathway into homelessness for women
(2022-08-01) Chopik, Samantha L.; Scott, Hannah
This thesis analyzes secondary data from a study done on 30 homeless men and women in a region in Southern Ontario to assess the gendering of homeless pathways between each group. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to assess participant interviews and form themes which include family violence as a primary pathway for women, with more traditional pathways such as substance abuse and loss of income for men. Lack of services for women was a recurring issue, while feelings of embarrassment and/or shame were consistent with the male participants. Indigenous identity and homelessness were also explored. Erving Goffman’s theory of dramaturgy was used to portray identity in terms of homelessness and victimization to demonstrate the hidden nature of these two issues. The common themes and findings within this study suggest that pathways into homelessness are gendered, with family violence being a primary pathway for women specifically.

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