Correctional Administrators' Perspectives on Gender Arrangements and Family-Related Programming for Women Offenders

ABSTRACT

Using a social constructionist perspective to guide our research, we combined quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of correctional administrators. Specifically, we proposed that how administrators construct gender influences their views of appropriate programming for women offenders, their views of gender specific needs of offenders, and related design of correctional services received for women. Content analysis was used to examine data gathered through a combined mail and phone survey of administrators across the U.S. Administrators' comments reflected four general perspectives: (1) gender irrelevant, (2) gender maintenance, (3) gender issues, and (4) gender challenge. Overall, findings supported criticisms of the degree to which correctional programming ignores women's needs and reinforces traditional gender stereotypes. However, a small proportion of administrators was attempting to empower women and challenge traditional gender arrangements.

Key Words:

• Gender
• correctional administrators
• women offenders
• parenting programs
• mothers in prison