Minority Problems in Correctional Institutions (From Surviving in Corrections, P 117-131, 1984, by David B Kalinich and Terry Pitcher - See NCJ-94649)

• NCJ Number: 94650
• Author(s): V Hoffman
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Recognizing that both race and gender as minority problems have emotional, unreasonable, and prejudicial components, this chapter shows how these minority problems, which exacerbated in the institutional environment, can be understood and dealt with by correctional staff.

Abstract

Discussion includes descriptions and examination of minority problems in the prison setting, emphasizing race and gender issues and offering suggestions on how to offset the negative outcomes related to racial and sex issues in the institution. Minority differences as signified by race and gender can pose prominent and complicated problems in the tightly controlled prison environment, and minority issues must be addressed in the education of the corrections personnel both for their professional growth and to improve the effectiveness of their work. At the least, correctional staff should interact with inmates in such a way as to mitigate tensions. Optimally, staff should do their part to promote an environment where the inmates, regardless of race, can maintain some degree of inter- and intragroup contact as they choose. Trained female correctional staff in criminal justice roles have been shown to be not only equally competent with male colleagues but in some tasks superior. Correctional staff, regardless of sex, are obligated to be firm, consistent, sensitive, and fair in their interaction with the inmates and with each other. Respect for self and respect for others can help lessen the negative effects of minority problems in the institution.