Influences of Personal Background on Perceptions of Juvenile Correctional Environments

• NCJ Number: 187248
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2001 Pages: 67-76
• Author(s): Ojmarrh Mitchell; Doris Layton MacKenzie; Angela R. Gover; Gaylene J. Styve
• Editor(s): Kent B. Joscelyn
• Date Published: February 2001
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined whether the individual characteristics of race, sex, and education affect juvenile correctional staff’s perceptions of their work environments.

Abstract

Prior to 1970, correctional staff were minimally educated and predominantly comprised of white males. Correctional reformers believed that employing more female, minority, and highly educated staff members would lead to more effective correctional environments. Existing research conducted in adult correctional facilities indicates that the hiring of nontraditional staff may have exacerbated existing internal hostilities. This study examined these issues in a large national sample of juvenile correctional staff. The study addressed four central questions. First, do the individual characteristics of race, sex, and educational level predict juvenile correctional staff’s perceptions of the juveniles in their custody? Second, do racial minorities, female correctional staff, and more educated staff members manifest indicators of negative work experiences, which may be an indication of discrimination or racial/sexual hostility? Third, are individual characteristics significant predictors of stress? Lastly, are individual level characteristics significant predictors of perceptions after organizational level variables and length of employment in the present institution are taken into account? Findings bear similarities and dissimilarities to research conducted in adult facilities. The findings support the expectation that minority staff, especially African American staff, perceive residents more favorably than white staff. In addition, findings suggest that perhaps correctional staff is in need of training aimed at bridging the cultural gap between offenders, increasing staff empathy and staff confidence in correctional rehabilitation. The study suggests that more research needs to be conducted with juvenile correctional staff. References