Stereotypes About Vocational Programming for Female Inmates

Abstract

Some criminologists have argued that vocational programs for female inmates continue to emphasize and to reinforce traditional sex-role stereotypes. These stereotypes are a form of social control if they result in limiting women to a narrow range of behaviors and roles. There is, however, a paucity of research that clearly focuses on who stereotypes whom as well as how these stereotypes affect behavior. This lack of understanding makes it difficult to assess how stereotypes affect correctional programming and practices. This exploratory study examined stereotypes pertaining to vocational programming for female inmates. Attitudes relevant to vocational programming for female inmates were compared between four groups: (a) female inmates, (b) peer counselors, (c) correctional officers, and (d) prison program staff. Group membership was significantly related to two 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.