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Document Type
Dissertation - University Access Only
Award Date
1993
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department / School
Rural Sociology
First Advisor
Robert D. Mendelsohn
Abstract
This study assessed the factors related to the repetition of crime by rural women offenders. The literature directed the study to the areas of economic problems, the prison experience, the parole situation and personal attributes. An interactionist perspective was taken to gain the greatest insight into the lives of the women studied. The perspective was utilized in designing a study that would allow the subjects to relate their experiences and what they meant to them. The subjects were sixteen women who had been incarcerated at least once before in South Dakota. The interview with open-ended questions was the method chosen, combining elements of field and laboratory interviews in a controlled setting at the women's prison. Uniform treatment of each subject and attention to detail enhanced the comparability of each interview. The findings indicated that financial problems do play a part in the continued criminal behavior of women as do child care responsibilities and limited job opportunities. The research also showed that certain factors were far more complex than had been assumed (i.e. running away). The study concludes that there are significant gender-related issues in the criminal behavior of women. Symbolic interaction was found to fit well with the experiences of the subjects.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Female offenders -- South Dakota
Women prisoners -- South Dakota
Recidivism -- South Dakota
Format
application/pdf
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Allen, Thomas, "An Assessment of Factors Related to the Continued Criminal Behavior of Female Felons" (1993). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5842.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/5842