An exploratory study: Stereotypes about mothers in prison

Abstract

According to a 1991 report of the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over three-quarters of incarcerated women have children. In most instances, prior to incarceration these women were the primary caretakers. Several criminologists have argued that the correctional system provides minimal emotional support for incarcerated mothers to maintain ties with their children. Stereotypes about the ideal mother may hinder such support. There is a paucity of research, however, that distinctly examines who stereotypes whom as well as how these stereotypes affect behavior. This lack of understanding makes it difficult to determine how stereotypes influence correctional programming and practices. This exploratory study focused on stereotypes about incarcerated mothers. Attitudes pertaining to such stereotypes were compared between four groups: (1) female inmates, (2) peer counselors, (3) correctional officers, and (4) prison program staff. Group membership was significantly related to three of the attitudinal measures. Behavioral measures hypothesized to be related to these attitudes were also measured (i.e., the likelihood to perform certain acts rather than actual or overt behaviors). Additional analyses examined the relation between attitudes and behavioral intentions.