Myth of the Universal Inmate: Gender and Jails

• NCJ Number: 169348
• Journal: American Jails Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: (September/October 1995) Pages: 33-34,36-39
• Author(s): P G Jackson; C A Stearns
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This analysis of the transition of male and female inmates into a podular direct supervision jail in Sonoma County (Calif.) concludes that the absence of a detailed discussion of gender should be questioned, correctional philosophy often does not anticipate gender differences, and the concept of a universal inmate is a myth.

Abstract

The Main Adult Detention Facility (MADF) opened in October 1991 and received inmates from two other jails. MADF had a podular architectural design and used a direct supervision strategy to manage inmates. The research used a pretest and posttest of inmate attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors before and 6 months after the transfer of inmates to the new detention facility. Data were also collected by means of informal and formal interviews with correctional personnel. Results revealed that females inmates experienced the change in the conditions of confinement at the podular direct supervision jail very differently than male inmates. Males' perceptions of the jail experience generally improved, while females experienced increased dissatisfaction. In a few areas no significant gender effects occurred. Females generally had more positive evaluations of their previous settings than did males. Findings suggested that the direct supervision experience may be perceived as an intrusion on female inmate interpersonal relationships, which may assume a differential importance in female institutional life than among males. Findings suggested that male inmate relationships improved in a setting designed to undermine negative peer relationships from developing, while female inmate relationships atrophied. In addition, the routines and programs at the new jail were more rewarding for males than for females. Findings suggest that existing jails may be better for women than are the new-generation jails, that the new-generation philosophy assumes a male inmate and is designed to overcome the problem of male jail settings, and that further research is needed on the conditions of confinement for women in jails. Table, notes, and 20 references