The sample included 130 families living in 11 towns, and the husbands/fathers resided in 13 penitentiaries. Families were selected whose husbands/fathers were not convicted during the last 5 years for any previous crimes, were isolated at least 18 months, and had not been convicted for sex crimes or crimes against the family. The prisoners and their wives were interviewed separately. About 60 percent of the men were punished for white-collar crimes (economic crimes), 7 percent for 'traditional' property crimes, 2 percent for other crimes against property, 27 percent for crimes against the person, and 2 percent for traffic offenses. The average sentence was about 128 months. The study analyzed the situation of the prisoner's family during imprisonment along three dimensions: family ties at this time (relations between husband and wife, between father and children, and between mother and children), social situation of the mother and children, and economic situation of the mother and children. Findings are presented for all these elements. Tables, footnotes, and about 120 references are supplied. (Author summary modified)