Economic pragmatism and the ideology of sexism: Prison policy and women

For many years, women prisoners have been denied the same facilities and services as men and their particular needs have been overlooked. Corrections practices and policies reflect not only attention to cost-cutting and economies of scale, but also an ideology of sexism. This article gives examples of the unequal and inadequate treatment of women in prison in Victoria, Australia, and then takes four policy issues which have negative consequences for women. Analysis of female prison populations points to the need for non-custodial sentences, affirmative action in vocational/work areas and programmes for drug abusers. For too long, governments have emphasized control, punishment and smooth management to the exclusion of facilities and programmes that respond to the needs of clients. © 1986.