Exploring Gender Differences in Spirituality Among Male vs Female Inmates

• In Event: Faith, Spirituality and Adjustment to Prison Among Men, Women, Native, and Non-native Inmates

Abstract

Using data from four different studies, this paper explores the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of male versus female prison inmates. One of the authors investigated the spiritual practices of inmates in Texas and Louisiana; the second explored those of female inmates in four prisons in Kansas and Ohio. Drawing from life history interviews among these studies, this paper identifies gender-neutral and gender-specific patterns in spiritual coping strategies expressed among male and female inmates.

Authors

• Michael Hallett, University of North Florida

• Janice Proctor, Ohio University