Correctional Facilities (From Sexual Problems of Adolescents in Institutions, P 180-199, 1981, David A. Shore and Harvey L. Gochros, eds.)

• NCJ Number: 79454
• Author(s): C A Glisson
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 20 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Topics discussed include how correctional institutions affect inmates' beliefs about self and others, inmates' adaptations to correctional institutions, and the implications of these adaptations for understanding and treating adolescent inmates' sexual problems.

Abstract

Control goals are met by the correctional institution at the expense of positive self-perceptions of both staff and inmates. Staff are unable to perceive themselves as therapists, and inmates are unable to see themselves as capable of normal behavior. Because the institutional roles are abhorrent, inmates develop patterns of adaptation to the institution which affirm positive perceptions of self. Personal and social patterns of adaptation to correctional facilities directly determine the development and expression of sexuality among adolescent inmates. Social patterns are generally characterized by (1) physical intimidation and violence, (2) the existence of an inmate subculture, and (3) the development of rigid role stereotypes to define interpersonal relationships. Personal patterns of adaptation are discussed by Goffman as (1) situational withdrawal, (2) intransigence (refusal to cooperate with staff), (3) colonization (maximum use of the subculture and informal power in the institution), and (4) conversion (conformity to institutional role). Sex roles for the inmate are stereotyped in the dichotomy of strength, aggressiveness, and dominance against weakness, passivity, and submissiveness. Even in homosexual activity, the maintenance of the dominant role is perceived as reinforcing the image of maleness. Sexual problems emerge as guilt, fear, aversion, dissatisfaction, and violence in sexual behaviors. While female inmates generally have more tender and sensitive sexual relationships, the problems that emerge are similar to those characterizing male inmates. Organizational and structural interventions are suggested for influencing more positive inmate adaptation to institutional life. Fifteen references are listed.