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Co-Corrections in the United States of America, 1970-1990: Two Decades of Disadvantages for Women Prisoners

NCJ Number
168736
Journal
Women and Criminal Justice Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: 1996 Pages: 61-76
Author(s)
J O Smykla; J J Williams
Date Published
1996
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The impact of co-corrections on female inmates was examined, based on a literature review that identified nine studies on the topic.
Abstract
The literature was grouped into two time periods: 1973-80 and 1981-90. The studies varied considerably in methods, study populations, and academic and agency sources. Nevertheless, the results of all nine studies were negative. The incarceration and interaction of female and male offenders under a single institutional administration offers female inmates few if any economic, educational, vocational, and social advantages. Disadvantages for female inmates included the impossibility of providing the more relaxed atmosphere of women's prisons and programming, programs and services more appropriate for males than females, inadequate support for enrolling in academic and vocational education, and assignment to institutions farther from their homes than men. Overall, co-corrections has not increased opportunities for female inmates, but it has increased opportunities for male prisoners. It also benefits system maintenance. Findings indicated the need for conceptual and operational adjustments if co-corrections is to fulfill its promise of increased opportunities for women. Tables and 17 references

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