Gender Differences in Factors Contributing to Institutional Misconduct

Abstract

Importation and deprivation theories are typically offered to explain the process by which inmates adjust to prison environments. Nearly all prior empirical tests of these theories have exclusively relied on samples of male inmates. Using self-report and official data from 247 male and female inmates confined to correctional institutions in a southeastern state, this study makes an important contribution to the correctional literature by examining whether theoretical predictors of infraction behavior are similar for males and females. Consistent with prior research, findings from zero-inflated Poisson regression models indicate that measures of both importation and deprivation theories significantly influence misconduct behavior. Findings, however, indicate that predictors of institutional misconduct are different for males and females. These findings support the development of gender-specific correctional programming that considers distinct needs of men versus women, with specific emphasis on programs that respond to the unique circumstances of female offenders.