Chapter Twelve Incarceration of Women

Learning Objectives Explain why women prisoners are called the “forgotten offenders.” Be familiar with the history of the incarceration of women. Explain how interpersonal relationships in women’s prisons differ from those in men’s prisons. Be familiar with the special issues that incarcerated women face. Discuss the problems women face when they are released to the community.

Learning Objective 1 Explain why women prisoners are called the “forgotten offenders.”

Forgotten Offenders Institutionalized sexism: Women’s prisons generally located farther from friends and families Small number of women in prison and jail is used to “justify” lack of diverse educational, vocational, and other programs available to incarcerated women. Small number used to “justify” low levels of specialization in treatment and failure to segregate the more-serious and mentally ill offenders from the less-serious offenders.

Forgotten Offenders Women make up 6.8% of federal and state prison population More than 114,000 females incarcerated Women account for 24.2% of all arrests for serious crimes: 68% for arrests for prostitution and commercialized vice 44.1% arrested for fraud 38% arrested for forgery Women are incarcerated in 98 women only facilities and 93 facilities that house men and women separately.

Figure 12.1 rate of female imprisonment per 100,000 female residents

Learning Objective 2 Be familiar with the history of the incarceration of women.

History Early 1800s, separate facilities from men proposed Elizabeth Gurney Fry was one of the first to push for better treatment of women in prison. Late 1800s reform: Separation of women prisoners from men Provision of differential care Management of women’s prison by female staff Reform movement ran its course by 1935 No distinctive model since 1940s 1970s-1980s, women issue deferred by concern over rising male prison population

History Continued Today the demand that women be treated the same as men has increased. Nicole Rafter argues that women get worse treatment than men at the present time and gender differences are not accounted for.

Learning Objective 3 Explain how interpersonal relationships in women’s prisons differ from those in men’s prisons.

Characteristics of Female Prisoners Almost 70% of the women in prison are between 25 & 45 years old. Half are racial/ethnic minorities 40% have not completed high school or their GED. 35.4% of Female Offenders are serving time for a violent offense Female Offenders typically receive shorter maximum sentences than men.

Relationships Sexual relationships are more voluntary than in men’s prisons Female inmates tend to form pseudofamilies: Father Mother Daughter Sister Prisons less violent, less gang activity, and do not have same racial tension.

Relationships Women’s interpersonal relationships were less stable and less familial in the past. Higher levels of mistrust and greater economic manipulation. Informal social structure of female prison is collectivist. Characterized by warmth and mutual aid extended to family and kinship members: Male prisoners adapt by self-sufficiency, a convict code, and solidarity with other inmates.

Learning Objective 4 Be familiar with the special issues that incarcerated women face.

Special Issues Sexual misconduct: Any behavior that is sexual in nature that is directed toward an inmate by an employee, official visitor, or agency representative. Include: Touching genitalia, breast, or buttocks in a way that is intended to arouse, abuse, or gratify sexual desire Using threats or making requests for sexual acts Indecent exposure and staff voyeurism for sexual gratification 2.1% of female prisoners engage in sexual activity with prison staff

Special Issues Educational and Vocational programs: Medical services: Glover v. Johnson Most female offenders are undereducated and unskilled Women not being prepared for jobs upon release Medical services: Women usually have more serious health problems Gynecological problems More severe/serious mental health problems

Special Issues Higher percentage of female state prison inmates reported a medical problem since admission compared to males inmates such as: Arthritis Asthma Cancer Heart problems Liver problems Hepatitis Sexually transmitted disease

Special Issues Mothers and their children: Over 60% of female inmates in state prisons are mothers of minor children. Mothers of an estimated 131,000 children under the age of 18 are incarcerated. Nearly 58% do not see their children during their sentence. Birth in prison 90% of states offer parenting classes 75% provide special visiting areas 28% allow overnight visits 7% have nurseries Imprisoned mothers also have difficultly maintaining contact with children

Learning Objective 5 Discuss the problems women face when they are released to the community.

Problems Upon Release Most are poor Have lost custody of their children Have serious health care needs Have extensive substance abuse histories 60 to 70% have nowhere to go and have to find a place to live upon release Availability of programs to help women deal with issues they face upon release Impoverished parolees are 83% less likely to offend if given access to housing and life skills training.