NCJ Number
195836
Journal
Women & Criminal Justice Volume: 13 Issue: 2/3 Dated: 2002 Pages: 125-139
Date Published
2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined the characteristics and motivations that affect a female inmate's decision to engage in same-sex sexual activity.
Abstract
In March 2000, all inmates housed in a southern correctional facility for women were asked to participate in the study. Of the 643 females incarcerated at the time, 245 agreed to participate, yielding a response rate of 38 percent. Inmates were asked four questions concerning their consensual same-sex behavior while incarcerated: Have you kissed another inmate in a sexual manner since being incarcerated? Have you touched another inmate in a sexual manner since being incarcerated? Have you received oral sex from another inmate since being incarcerated? Have you performed oral sex on another inmate since being incarcerated? Responses were used to construct a variable of female inmates who participated in homosexual behavior while incarcerated. The most significant and salient variables associated with the same-sex sexual activity among female inmates were age and amount of time served. Younger inmates and those who had served longer periods of time incarcerated were identified as more likely than older inmates and women who had served shorter periods of time to engage in homosexual activity. Race and religion also had a significant effect on selected same-sex sexual behavior. The study found equal, but limited support for both the deprivation and importation models. 3 tables and 23 references