ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res. 7(6), XX-XX 1 Journal Homepage: - www.journalijar.com Article DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/xxx DOI URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/xxx RESEARCH ARTICLE Challenges of Imprisonment on the Social Function of Family among Prisoners and their Spouses: Focus on Wolaita Sodo Correctional Institution Sitotaw Mesfin 1 Tesfaye Zeleke 2 and Dereje Wonde 3 1 Wolaita zone, department of urban development and housing, E-mail: sitotawsosa@gmail.com 2 Addis Ababa Universities, College of Development Studies, E-mail: tesfayezeleke@gmail.com 3 Bahir Dar University, Department of Sociology, E-mail: derawon@gmail.com …………………………………………………………………………………………………….... Manuscript Info Abstract ……………………. ……………………………………………………………… Manuscript History Received: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Final Accepted: xxxxxxxxxxxx Published: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Key words: - Correctional Institution, Family Function, Imprisonment, Prisoner, Prison The study aimed to investigate the challenges faced by prisoners and their spouses in Wolaita Sodo Correctional Institution, focusing on the social function of family. Previous research has known little about the challenges of imprisonment to the social functions of family among prisoners and their spouses. This study fills a knowledge gap by investigating the challenges of imprisonment to the social function of family among prisoners and their spouses. This study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches through mixed research methods. The findings of the study show that the imprisonment of one spouse leads to power shift and new expectations, responsibilities, and obligations among family members. Such a shift has resulted in unstable economic conditions, restricted family procreation, hindered socialization, and reduced emotional attachment and participation in decision-making. In conclusion, it is recommended that society, their relatives, and stakeholders provide the necessary support to the vulnerable families of prisoners. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….... Corresponding Author: - Sitotaw Mesfin, Wolaita zone administration, department of urban development and housing, Wolaita Sodo. E-mail address: sitotawsosa@gmail.com.