Dangerous men, evil women: Gender and parole decisionmaking

The structure of parole decisions concerning the “need” level of parolees is examined by applying a multivariate analysis. Results show that although male and female parolees did not differ in their need scores in the various areas included in the “need assessment” form, or in the parole officers' subjective impression of the parolees' need level, there were significant differences in the factors used by the officers to arrive at their decisions. The study suggests that gender-role expectations and stereotypes guide the decision-making process in the need assessment and the prescription of treatment for parolees. The implications of such gender-based rehabilitation are discussed.