Wardens' Perceptions of Prison Sex

• NCJ Number: 210001
• Journal: Prison Journal Volume: 85 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 186-197
• Author(s): Christopher Hensley; Richard Tewksbury
• Date Published: June 2005
• Length: 12 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Eastern Kentucky University
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey; Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Anonymous questionnaires completed by 226 wardens in State correctional institutions in the United States solicited information on the wardens' perceptions of the prevalence of sexual assault in their institutions, the prevalence of inmates' consensual sexual activities, and the proportion of sexual assaults that come to their attention.

Abstract

Generally, the wardens did not believe that there was a significant level of sexual activity (consensual or coercive and/or assaultive) occurring in their institutions. None of the variables related to wardens' individual demographic characteristics or institutional characteristics were statistically related to wardens' perceptions of the incidence of coercive sexual activities among inmates, or to the likelihood of the warden knowing about sexual assaults. This suggests that the wardens' job demands, typical preparation and/or training, and culture of being a warden are fairly consistent, at least regarding perceptions of institutional sexual assaults. On the other hand, two individual demographic variables and two institutional variables were related to wardens' estimates of the prevalence of consensual sexual activity among inmates. Female and non-White wardens estimated a greater prevalence of consensual sexual activities among inmates; this was anticipated by the researchers, since women and minorities are known in the social science literature to be less homophobic and therefore more likely to accept and expect same-sex sexual activities. Similarly, wardens in women's and male/female institutions estimated a greater percentage of their inmates were involved in sexual relationships. A higher inmate-staff ratio was also related to higher estimates of the prevalence of sexual activities among inmates. This was also anticipated, since a lower concentration of staff leads to more inmate misconduct, including prohibited sexual activities. Suggestions are offered for further research. 2 tables and 35 references