NCJ Number
244488
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 30 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2013 Pages: 1090-1114
Date Published
December 2013
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study examined white-collar offenders and their adjustment to imprisonment.
Abstract
Despite recent increases in the use of incarceration for white-collar offenders, little is known about the prison experiences of these individuals or how they adjust to imprisonment. Although empirical evidence is lacking, a widespread view has prevailed that white-collar offenders have a "special sensitivity" to imprisonmentthat they experience more pains and cope less well within the society of captives. Based on a sample of 366 Federal prison inmates, the authors assessed the special sensitivity hypothesis. The analyses revealed that white-collar inmates are not more likely to experience negative prison adjustment. In some regards, white-collar inmates had fewer institutional problems and were more likely to cope with prison life successfully. Results thus call into question the merits of the special sensitivity hypothesis and are consistent with the view expressed earlier by Michael Benson and Francis Cullen that white-collar offenders may possess attributes and resources sufficient for their successful adaptation to life in prison. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.