NCJ Number
174399
Journal
Women and Criminal Justice Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: 1998 Pages: 63-86
Date Published
1998
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This survey of men and women corrections officers (COs) working in men's prisons in a midwestern State examined whether there were significant gender differences in the acceptance of women officers in men's prisons, assessed gender differences in officers' perception of danger in men's prisons, and tested for gender differences in women officers' perceived job performance in men's prisons.
Abstract
Survey forms were distributed to all 112 women corrections officers and a random sample of 180 men officers employed in the adult male correctional facilities of the Minnesota Department of Corrections. A total of 162 survey forms were completed and returned, a total response rate of 55 percent. The response rate for women officers (68 percent) was higher than for men (48 percent). Comparisons of the officers' responses about women's acceptance, safety, and perceived job performance showed some significant gender differences. The results showed that although women faced some resistance among men officers, it was not to the extent suggested in previous research studies, and the resistance came primarily from more experienced male officers. Women officers were confident of their ability to work effectively in men's prisons. The resistance to women that persists among some male officers is likely to provide an obstacle for women in seeking opportunities for advancement and promotion in adult male prisons. 4 tables, 4 notes, and 44 references