Date of Submission

4-6-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Advisor

Kevin Barnes-Ceeney

Keywords

incarcerated women, gender-responsive, correctional programming, qualitative interview data, self-identity development

LCSH

gender-affirming care, women prisoners, qualitative research, identity (psychology)

Abstract

This study explores the extent to which gender-responsive programming is targeting the individual needs of incarcerated women. Women have unique needs compared to men, and correctional programming should be tailored to meet such needs. By auditing the programs available in women's prisons in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts this study determined whether programs available to incarcerated women include appropriate gender-responsive supports. Recommended supports typically focused on teaching skills of empowerment, the development of self-identity and nurturing self-worth. In addition to the audit, this study utlizied qualitative interview data to analyze the perceptions of the current programs and the gender-based needs of 7 formerly incarcerated women. This study utilized a grounded theory approach to examine the perceptions of formerly incarcerated women on current programming. The overarching themes that emerged from the interview data are trauma and mental health, safety in groups, more compassion and less control, and technology as a barrier to reentry. Within these themes, the topics of trauma, abuse, mental health resources, productivity, experience of program directors, jealousy, emotional intelligence, self-fulfillment, and societal standards are discussed. Findings from this study provide awareness to the needs of incarcerated women and ways current programming is not meeting their needs.

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