Gender Differences in Factors Contributing to Institutional Misconduct

• NCJ Number: 224581
• Journal: Prison Journal Volume: 88 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2008 Pages: 378-403
• Author(s): Angela R. Gover; Deanna M. Perez; Wesley G. Jennings
• Date Published: September 2008
• Length: 26 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Using self-report and official data for 247 male and female inmates in correctional institutions in a southeastern State, this study examined whether theoretical predictors of inmate misconduct were similar for male and female inmates.

Abstract

The study found that the factors that predicted institutional misconduct among males were different from those that predicted female inmates’ institutional misconduct. For male inmates, a history of incarceration significantly increased the average number of infractions; however, for female inmates, prior incarceration predicted a decrease in the average number of infractions during the current incarceration. The type of offense for which the inmate was incarcerated was an important predictor of male inmate misconduct, but was not significantly related to women’s misconduct. Male inmates with nonviolent and violent primary offenses were less likely to commit institutional infractions compared to inmates whose current offense was drug-related. Self-control was also a significant predictor of misconduct, but only for males. Prison work was an important component for male inmate adjustment in prison, but not for females. Three significant factors influenced institutional misconduct for females only: age, race, and education. Younger, non-White females with low educational achievement were more likely to engage in misconduct than older, White female inmates with higher educational achievement. Other factors significantly related to misconduct for females but not males were sentence length, perceptions of staff treatment, and perceived safety in the prison. Female inmates with longer sentences, a perception of caring staff, and a feeling of being safe in the prison were less likely to engage in misconduct. These findings indicate that programming for male and female inmates must address different factors in order to facilitate adjustment to prison life. The data used in this study was collected as part of a larger study that examined inmate grievance procedures. 2 tables, appended description of coding procedures, and 65 references