The Gender Gap in Parole Support: The Role of Emotions in Shaping Criminal Justice Attitudes

• In Event: Elaborating the Components of Prisoner Reentry Programs

Abstract

The question of whether a relationship exists between gender and public attitudes toward criminal justice policies, and in particular parole, has been examined in earlier research. This research suggests that women are significantly less supportive than men of the supervised release of prisoners to the community. It is not clear, however, why men and women approach the issue of parole differently. Using in-depth interviews with a sample of Australian men and women, the current study explores the underlying impetus behind the gender gap in parole support. Findings suggest that empathetically identifying with a particular offender may influence whether or not an individual supports parole release, with male participants more often experiencing this type of empathy. The role of other emotions, including anger, frustration, and fear, in shaping respondents’ views are also explored. Findings demonstrate the importance of emotions in shaping public attitudes toward criminal justice policies.

Author

• Shannon Buglar, University of Queensland