Gender and Prison Work: The Experience of Female Provincial Correctional Officers in Canada

Ricciardelli, Rosemary; McKendy, Laura

doi:10.1177/0032885520956394

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 46 publications

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“…Although a previous study observed no significant difference in the rate of violence experienced by male and female prison employees (34), the current findings indicate that violence type may be influenced by gender. The experiences of women CWs are in line with concerns of gender inequality and sexism that appear in this male-dominated profession (35). These factors may partly explain why all the women in the study kept their webcams off while all the men kept theirs on.…”

Section: Work Culturesupporting

confidence: 62%

A qualitative exploration of the mental health challenges and therapeutic needs of Canadian correctional workers

et al. 2022

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PurposeCorrectional work is described as a high-stress environment associated with increased prevalence of mental health disorders in employees. Identifying appropriate healthcare services necessitates investigating the mental health challenges and needs of correctional workers (CWs).MethodsIndividual interviews (n = 9; 5 M and 4 W) and a mixed gender focus group (n = 6; 3 M and 3 W) were conducted to gather a general sense of the mental health landscape. Data were analyzed to develop a targeted and comprehensive question guide for gender-specific focus groups (n = 14 unique participants; 6 M and 8 W).ResultsEight themes emerged from the gender-specific focus groups. Themes focusing on work culture described the negative repercussions of job stress and the inability to discuss challenges openly due to confidentiality concerns and feelings of seclusion associated with the CW profession. Men were more likely to be subjected to physical violence and women to emotional and sexual harassment from staff and inmates. Themes related to mental health care described the benefits and limitations of the current services and digital mental healthcare. Stigma and accessibility were notable treatment barriers. Lastly, sector-specific therapy was seen as an important component in enhancing engagement and therapist interaction.ConclusionThe study demonstrates the interconnection between work culture and CW mental health that needs to be acknowledged when addressing mental health care.

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Section: Work Culturesupporting

confidence: 62%

A qualitative exploration of the mental health challenges and therapeutic needs of Canadian correctional workers

et al. 2022

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“…Dealing with emotional trauma calls for a different skill set that male COs struggle with due to different social expectations. They become less tolerant when dealing with female inmates, leaving the responsibility to female COs (Ricciardelli & McKendy, 2020).…”

Section: Masculine and Feminine Expectations And Rolesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, this is understandable, it is due to sexual abuse history that female inmates struggle with trauma and unhealthy relationships with men (Correctional Investigator, 2021). Nevertheless, women are also expected to step in when working with male inmates without any restrictions meaning they work more for the same pay (Ricciardelli & McKendy, 2020).…”

Section: Gendered Policymentioning

confidence: 99%

Gender Roles in Corrections: How Gendered Expectations Impact Female Correctional Officers

Hermary

2024

muse

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Compared to other organizations within the criminal justice system, the world of corrections is hidden from public view, and therefore, quickly forgotten. However, like many of these male-dominated organizations, there are significant issues regarding gender and women's roles in the job. With the considerable lack of research regarding correctional officers within Canada and the relatively small percentage of women in the correctional workforce, it is vital to expand this topic to understand the complication of a gendered role. Research has shown gendered issues among female correctional officers and the lack of the support they may receive. With all these persistent issues, we ask ourselves, why do women continue a career path that appears to be working against them? More specifically, how does gender influence women's experience in long-term careers in corrections? To answer this, I conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with women who maintained long-term roles in Correctional Service Canada (CSC). This presentation will discuss these women's gendered experiences working within a masculine organization, how their gender affected their relationships and job expectations, and how CSC may view them.

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“…Correctional officers (COs) perform their occupational responsibilities within a climate of continual carceral care, balancing relationships with colleagues 1 Memorial University of Newfoundland Marine Institute, St. John's, Canada and people who are incarcerated (PWAI), with other organizational and occupational duties (Ricciardelli & McKendy, 2020;Ricciardelli & Perry, 2016).Their work cultures are shaped by formal and informal processes (Ricciardelli & McKendy, 2020), each informed by shared meanings (Klofas & Toch, 1982;Lombardo, 1985;Rudes & Magnuson, 2019). Occupational culture, as defined by Farkas and Manning (1997), refers to "the values, beliefs, material objects and taken-for-granted knowledge associated with a full-time occupational role" that "serves to mediate, buffer, and otherwise pattern the conflicts" members of an occupational group face (p. 57).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Correctional officers (COs) perform their occupational responsibilities within a climate of continual carceral care, balancing relationships with colleagues and people who are incarcerated (PWAI), with other organizational and occupational duties (Ricciardelli & McKendy, 2020; Ricciardelli & Perry, 2016). Their work cultures are shaped by formal and informal processes (Ricciardelli & McKendy, 2020), each informed by shared meanings (Klofas & Toch, 1982; Lombardo, 1985; Rudes & Magnuson, 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Correctional Officer Culture in Canada: Proving Oneself for In-Group Acceptance

Carbonell,

Ricciardelli

2023

The Prison Journal

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Correctional officers (COs) work in a unique climate of continual carceral care, balancing interpersonal relationships, prison dynamics, with organizational and occupational duties. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with COs ( n = 72) employed in federal penitentiaries in Canada, we explore factors influencing CO culture and peer acceptance. Using a constructed semi-grounded approach, we analyze how CO behaviors and values shape CO culture and illustrate how proving oneself is fundamental to in-group acceptance. Findings support the importance of proving oneself to CO acceptance, through developing trust, putting in time, performance, work ethic, showing respect, and by having each other's backs on the job.

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Gender and Prison Work: The Experience of Female Provincial Correctional Officers in Canada

Cited by 6 publications

References 46 publications

A qualitative exploration of the mental health challenges and therapeutic needs of Canadian correctional workers

A qualitative exploration of the mental health challenges and therapeutic needs of Canadian correctional workers

Gender Roles in Corrections: How Gendered Expectations Impact Female Correctional Officers

Correctional Officer Culture in Canada: Proving Oneself for In-Group Acceptance

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