NCJ Number
198675
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 35 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2002 Pages: 109-126
Editor(s)
Thomas P. O'Connor,
Nathanial J. Pallone
Date Published
2002
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This paper explores the possible explanations for the lack of Islamic participation by African-American female inmates by using a social context approach addressing several issues.
Abstract
For over the past 60 years, it has been common practice for African-American male inmates to convert to Islam as part of the prison experience. The yearly number of prison converts is estimated at 30,000. However, Islamic conversion among African-American female inmates is not seen as common. This paper examines the issues of lack of familiarity, social support and church involvement, the female inmate social system, and Islamic prison ministry in an attempt to understand the possible reasons for African-American women not converting to Islam to the same degree as African-American men while incarcerated. The paper begins with a review of the literature pertaining to the above four issues followed by a gathering of descriptive data regarding Islamic inmate characteristics obtained from interviews with prison chaplains from institutions in Alabama and Florida. The chaplain interviews suggest that Islamic prison ministry is not very strong in female institutions, and if coupled with the fact that proselytizing is not allowed in Florida prisons, it is apparent that African-American women may not be exposed to Islam while incarcerated. In addition, if African-American women view Christianity and the Black church as a source of solace, conversion to Islam does not represent a viable choice, as well as if African-American women view Islam as a religion that subjugates women, Islamic conversion may not occur considering the role African-American women have traditionally held in society. Future research is recommended as this paper serves only as an inquiry to this religious disparity. References