Gender, Health, and Prison Misconduct

• In Event: Gender, Health, and the Politics of Care in Correctional Institutions

Abstract

Extant research argues that intersectional experiences over the life course influence the likelihood of criminal legal system involvement. Much less is known about how these unique, intersectional experiences are associated with prison misconduct. This research focuses particularly on the impact that the intersection of gender, sexuality, and disability status has on violent and non-violent misconduct outcomes. Utilizing the 2016 Survey of Prison Inmates, this study found that disability status and sexuality impact cisgender male and cisgender female samples differently. Particularly, female identifying samples are more likely to have violent misconduct outcomes if they identify as LGBTQ, compared to no misconducts. Across gender identities, incarcerated populations with disabilities are at a higher risk of violent misconduct outcomes. These findings add to the discussion on gender-responsive programming in prisons, as well as the on-going and timely conversation focusing on the health and well-being of incarcerated populations.

Author

• Emalie Rell, University of Delaware