Gender Differences in Jail Populations: Factors to Consider in Reentry Strategies

Abstract

Jail populations have declined by 6.4% since 2009 as policy and practice shifts toward offender rehabilitation. However, the U.S. female jail population rose about 45% between 1996 and 2011, which suggests that a greater focus on gender-based needs in reentry strategies may further reduce recidivism. This study examined gender differences in social, medical and human needs in an urban jail population. Results revealed significantly greater problems for women than men. More women than men reported needs for chemical dependency and mental health services, and a greater willingness to receive treatment. Implications suggest that gender-responsive programs are essential for jailed women.

KEYWORDS:

• criminal justice
• gender
• jail inmates
• recidivism
• reentry needs

Notes

^a There are no missing cases.

^b Original surveys asked, “less than high school” and “4-year college or more,” but no one responded to those categories.

**p <.01.

***p <.001.

^a Shown only when there are missing cases.

^b Among parents of children age 18 or under only.

^c Among parents under child support order only.

**p < .01.

***p < .001.

^a Among parents only.

^b When analyzing among parents only, the Pearson chi-square was 12.98 (p < .01) with Phi of .09 (p < .001). 8.7% of women said “yes” while only 3.9% of men did.

**p < .01.

***p < .001.

Note. Missing cases for parenting services are 7.3% and those for all others are 9.1%.

^a Analyzed only among parents: Same analysis was conducted for all participants with the variable indicating being a parent of minor children included as a factor.

⁺ p < .10.

*p < .05.

**p < .01.

***p < .001.

NOTES

This project was conducted by the School of Social Work University of Pittsburgh (PI: Dr. Hide Yamatani).