NCJ Number
104515
Date Published
1985
Length
103 pages
Annotation
Interviews with 109 female inmates of the Federal Correctional Institution-Morgantown (West Virginia) facility produced some findings similar to those in previous studies of female inmates, but also showed that these women differ significantly from many commonly accepted stereotypes of female inmates.
Abstract
Female students conducted 2 interviews, including 109 inmates in the first interviews and 75 in the second. All but three of the institution's inmates agreed to take part, and attrition resulted only from illness or release prior to the interview. Contrary to the common view, the women generally did not come from extremely harsh childhoods. In addition, they tended to be well satisfied with the child care their children were receiving. Moreover, they were not particularly introspective or guilt-ridden. Furthermore, they had positive attitudes toward work and achievement. The women defined maturity differently from the way staff did, however, resulting in tensions. Most related well to other female inmates, but a significant number did not. They related very well to the male inmates and had a much more favorable attitude toward co-corrections than many staff members believed. Comparisons with data from a national study of female inmates, data tables, and discussion of some program implications.