Chapter 9 Female Offenders

Characteristics of Women in Prison Statistics –22% of felony arrests –14% of violence –7% of inmates Crimes –Drugs: 34% of state female, 66% of federal –Theft: 25% of state female –Prostitution affects only jails

Female Rates of Imprisonment

Female Rate of Imprisonment Rate has increased 800% in last 30 years Most of this increase due to war on drugs More arrests, harsher sentences 34% of women, 20% of men incarcerated for drugs System is now “tougher” on all offenses

Women as “Forgotten Offenders” Relatively small proportion of inmates Not seen as dangerous Less troublesome to prison authorities –Fewer lawsuits, less violence Smaller variety of programs –Being less troublesome may encourage neglect

Female Inmate Social Organization Women try to re-create (ideal) nuclear family Main deprivations are social Pseudo-families allow experienced inmates to assist younger women Less exploitation

Social Roles Square: Oriented to conventional life Cool: Oriented to prison life, seeks comfort Life: Involved in outside criminal subculture

Parity and Unequal Treatment Parity: Substantial equivalence, not exact equality, legally required in treatment of male and female inmates Women disciplined for lesser rule violations Psychiatric medications used more Fewer programs, poorly designed for women’s needs

Needs of Women’s Programs 1)Address the concerns of women in today’s mainstream society jobs, parenting, health 2)Reflect what is known about gender –Differences in learning styles –Cooperative group settings 3)Encourage women to take power over their own lives – assertiveness

Issues Unique to Women Pregnancy, especially in jails HIV-AIDS rising fastest among women –Education, assertiveness needed Child custody during and after incarceration Sexual harassment and official oppression –Inmates lack legal power to consent in most states

Co-Correctional Facilities Increasing popularity due to cost-cutting Non-violent inmates Little time left in sentence Improper behavior results in immediate transfer Male behavior may be improved