Resistance to Conversion to Islam Among African American Women Inmates

Abstract

SUMMARY While the tendency to convert to Islam is common among African American male inmates, Islamic conversion among African American female inmates does not commonly occur. Educated estimates and telephone interviews with chaplains of major female correctional institutions in Florida and Alabama, indicate that Islamic conversion among African American female inmates is extremely low. Why is there such a stark contrast between the religious practice of incarcerated African American men and women? This research takes a social context approach to explore several reasons why African American women do not convert to Islam to the same degree as African American men while incarcerated. The paper gains insight into this disparity through considering several factors: (1) Lack of familiarity/comfort; (2) Social support and church involvement; (3) Female inmate social system; and (4) Islamic prison ministry.