A phenomenological study exploring the antecedent causes of criminal behaviours in veterans that have been incarcerated – through the tripartite filter of education

Goulding, J ORCID: 0009-0000-9913-3011 (2026) A phenomenological study exploring the antecedent causes of criminal behaviours in veterans that have been incarcerated – through the tripartite filter of education. Doctoral thesis, Liverpool John Moores University.

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Abstract

It is estimated that between 3.4% and 19.1% of the current prison population comprises individuals with a military background. While these statistics are subject to ongoing debate and scrutiny, it is widely acknowledged that veterans represent a significant professional cohort within the prison system. Importantly, research indicates that veterans are not inherently more likely to engage in criminal behaviour compared to their civilian counterparts; however, they are three times more likely to be implicated in offences characterised as violent or sexual in nature. Extensive research has been conducted regarding the statistical representation of veterans within the criminal justice system as well as the mental health challenges they may encounter. Nevertheless, the present study seeks to explore this issue from a novel perspective, focusing on the role of education, encompassing both formal and informal educational experiences. It further investigates the cultural dynamics of the military and the mechanisms through which these cultural elements are transmitted among service members throughout the ranks.
The purpose of this study is to explore the causes and reasons why those individuals became involved in criminal justice experiences, through the lens of formal, informal, and non-formal education. Data was collected from 6 participants using timelines and semi-structured interviews, which were thematically analysed. The participants all identified as having served in the army and having experienced subsequent contact with the criminal justice system for various offences. IPA (Smith, Jarmon & Osborn, 1999) was used to analyse the data that was produced and social theories to contextualise it. The reasons why veterans commit crimes and the role of culture in the military. The study allowed the veterans to have a voice and express their experiences as a gap in this area of knowledge that other studies had identified.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Criminal Justice; Criminalisation; Education; Military Culture; Social Ecology; UK Veterans
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV7231 Criminal Justice Administrations
Divisions:	Education
Date of acceptance:	23 April 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	17 July 2026
Date Deposited:	17 Jul 2026 08:51
Last Modified:	17 Jul 2026 08:51
Supervisors:	Hammond, C, Brookes, L, Ragonese, E and Emma, M
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28459

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