Social Distance Between Inmates, Peer Counselors, and Program Staff in a Woman's Prison

Abstract

Establishing and maintaining highly structured groups is an essential aspect of correctional management and operations. Policies and procedures stipulating appropriate roles and responsibilities can result in limiting interactions and creating social distance between different groups. This exploratory study examines whether social distance varies between three different prison groups: female inmates, peer counselors, and program staff. The major findings reveal that female inmates were least likely to have interactions within and outside their own group. Peer counselors and program staff were significantly more likely to interact amongst themselves and other groups. A primary implication of this research is whether one can move beyond group status, and the associated traits, to perceive members as individuals with specific needs. Subsequently, these perceptions might ultimately affect treatment and rehabilitation as well as the general administration of corrections.