NCJ Number
223907
Journal
CorrectionsToday Volume: 70 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2008 Pages: 44-47
Date Published
August 2008
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses issues related to women in the corrections profession.
Abstract
The article notes in a historical context the domination of the corrections profession by men, and the increase in opportunity, albeit with challenges, for women in recent years. Both the clientele and workforce have been predominantly male, and is said to reflect the general pattern of gender polarization and gender segregation of occupations in the workforce. Other gender issues of contention related to employment in the field of corrections are provided, such as exclusion from informal workforce cultures; hostility expressed at the interaction level; policies that promote gender segregation; sexual harassment; differential assignments; and lack of support systems and networking opportunities. The article summarizes a 2005 study conducted in the Commonwealth of Virginia which examined key issues relevant to the role of women working in community corrections to enhance the discussion of these topics. The article concludes with a narrative of upcoming challenges given an anticipated increase in the role of women in the corrections field, stating that their traditional role will require examination with organizational efforts directed toward understanding how to effectively integrate all members of the workforce. 14 notes