Gender Dynamics in Prison: Exploring Victimization and Offending Among Incarcerated Individuals and Staff

• In Event: New Directions in Correctional Research

Abstract

This study examines the moderating effects of gender on victimization and offending within the prison environment. Drawing on prior research and theories of prison adaptation, I analyze state prison administrative records (n = 183,936) of victimization and offending incidents to assess whether gender shapes these behaviors in the carceral setting. The multinomial logistic regression analysis include incidents involving incarcerated persons and staff. The results highlight the moderating effects of gender, alongside race and ethnicity, as significant predictors of being victimized and perpetrating offending. Understanding the moderating influence of gender provides insights into how gender dynamics shape experiences within prison settings. These findings have implications for theory, research, and policy considerations aimed at addressing and mitigating violence and misconduct within correctional facilities.

Author

• Vivian Aranda-Hughes, Michigan State University