Duke University sociology major Umang Dhingra earned third place in the prestigious Undergraduate Paper Competition at the 2024 Mid-South Sociological Association (MSSA) Conference. Umang’s paper, “Protecting the American Family: Preserving Familial Intimacy and Cohesiveness during Parental Incarceration,” sheds light on the disruptive impact of parental incarceration on family structures, especially its long-term effects on children’s academic, social, and emotional development.
Her research presentation at MSSA highlighted the severity of these issues: children of incarcerated parents face twice the risk of dropping out of high school and are six times more likely to become incarcerated themselves. Umang’s analysis went beyond statistics, exploring barriers to familial connection, such as the financial and logistical hurdles of prison visitation and limited communication options, and showcased policy solutions that could foster stronger family bonds even during incarceration. Programs like Pennsylvania’s “Read to Your Child” and California’s “Family Connections” were spotlighted as successful models for enhancing parent-child relationships and reducing recidivism risks.
The MSSA Conference, known for drawing leading sociologists and students from across the region, was an ideal platform for Umang’s work. Her presentation captured the audience’s attention, sparking conversations about policies that could mitigate the adverse effects of incarceration on families. Recognized for her originality, rigorous analysis, and dedication to social justice, Umang’s work is a powerful example of how sociological research can influence policy and advocate for systemic change.
