Understanding the Experiences of Female White-Collar Inmates

• In Event: Regulating Under-reported Crimes: White-collar, Cyber, and Medical Offenses

Abstract

The existing literature on white-collar offenders and their adjustment to prison has focused mostly on males and has largely ignored the female prison experience. Studies of other types of female inmates indicate that they often have a difficult time adjusting emotionally and mentally to prison environments. Hence, it is important to see whether and how the experiences of female white-collar offenders compare. The study is based on a qualitative analysis of a sample of female offenders convicted of white-collar type offenses who are under supervision in a local halfway house. Interviews will be semi-structured and open-ended and will be analyzed using NVivo. Due to the potentially limited sample size, the aim of the study is to identify preliminary themes and findings that will serve as the basis for a larger and more focused investigation in the future.

Authors

• Diana Sun, University of Cincinnati

• Michael L Benson, University of Cincinnati

• Valerie R. Anderson, University of Cincinnati