Comparison of two groups in a Southern state women's prison: homosexual behavior versus non-homosexual behavior
Norris, L.
Psychological Reports 34(1): 75-78
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-2941 PMID: 4813986 DOI: 10.2466/pr0.1974.34.1.75Document Number: 449995
The incidence of homosexual behavior among 376 female inmates in a southern state women's prison was explored, with homosexual behavior being viewed as a normal reaction to a situation where isolation from the opposite sex occurs. The method of determining membership in the homosexual (Group I) and the non-homosexual (Group II) groups was survey with 52% of the prison population being assigned to Group I and 48% to Group II. Comparison of the groups showed: (a) no significant difference in racial distribution, length of sentence, or IQ, (b) Group I had a higher percentage of recidivists than Group II, (c) Group I was 9.5 yr. younger than Group Ii (p =.01), (d) Group I mean grade level attained was 1.23 yr. higher than Group Ii (p =.01), and (e) there was a higher percentage of single women and fewer widows in Group I.