Both male and female offenders present with interpersonal needs categorized as social, psychological, sexual, or rehabilitative. According to research and practice, the intensity and urgency of these personal requirements are contingent on gender. Prison rehabilitative programs and interventions are designed to address convicts’ needs. Nevertheless, the correctional system has undeniably failed to fulfill this expectation (Tyler et al., 2019). This paper seeks to elaborate on some of the common inmates’ necessities and also differentiates between the needs of male offenders compared to female convicts.
Social needs include but are not limited to family support and adequate daytime activities. The need for household support is less addressed in female inmates than male convicts (Tyler et al., 2019). This is due to the higher family shame dynamic associated with a woman’s incarceration compared to a man’s imprisonment. Female inmates need rehabilitative programs, mental health services, and social skills training more than male offenders.
According to Tyler et al. (2019), a background of sexual and physical abuse is more common among women inmates than men. Incidences of depression and mental health issues are also more prevalent among female convicts than their counterparts (Tyler et al., 2019). Social skills such as constructive conflict resolution are less developed among female offenders than male convicts, causing higher rates of internal conflicts.
Male inmates are cumbered by needs such as proper accommodation, psychological support, and addiction recovery (Tyler et al., 2019). Housing in men’s prisons is substandard compared to that in women’s correctional facilities. Research also suggests higher psychotic behavior and substance abuse rates among male convicts than female offenders (Tyler et al., 2019). For male inmates, the commonly unmet social need is sufficient day activities. Men’s prisons limit social pursuits as they consider the inmates potentially violent. Identifying gender differences in offenders’ needs is vital in formulating prison incentives that promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.
Reference
Tyler, N., Miles, H. L., Karadag, B., & Rogers, G. (2019). An updated picture of the mental health needs of male and female prisoners in the UK: Prevalence, comorbidity, and gender differences. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 54(9), 1143–1152. Web.