BLog Post #21

The National Association of Female Correctional Officers has identified the issues of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape as most significant to its members. The stereotypical woman is depicted as weak and vulnerable. They are also seen as unequal to men, and of less value to society. Britton discusses the gendered policies and practices of prisons that can reinforce these stereotypical ideas to the male inmates. Compounded with that is the fact that a bunch of men are living together and competing for male dominance which can be defined by sexual aggressiveness. Britton first suggests that we change the depictions of the male prison system as aggressive, violent, and sexually sadistic. Then, she points out that training these officers more appropriately and informing them of what the prisoners are really going to act like will help the situation of the female officers. This will allow them to be more aware, and therefore better prepared. The prevention would be in showing the prisoners that these women are not vulnerable or weak, that they are seen as equals to men, and that their skills should not be devalued. The prison systems could make this happen by changing their policies and practices. Making women more able to deal with domestic responsibilities would greatly decrease the gender segregation and inequality. Also, making things like the ability to defuse violence without the use of violence more equitable to male traits of aggressiveness will decrease the devaluing of feminine traits. If the inmates who rape women do not see the women as vulnerable and devalued, they are less likely to attempt to harass or rape them.