Criminal Justice Practice Exam

How did early women's prisons differ from men's prisons?

1. They employed solitary confinement; men used cottages

2. They allowed life sentences; men had early release programs

3. They used a family-style living plan; men used solitary confinement

4. They used a family-style living plan; men had a cell-block plan

The correct answer is: They used a family-style living plan; men had a cell-block plan

Early women's prisons were designed with significant differences compared to men's prisons, primarily reflecting societal views on gender and rehabilitation. The family-style living plan adopted in women's prisons allowed for a more communal environment, where inmates lived together in a more home-like setting. This approach was based on the belief that women were more reformable through moral instruction and nurturing environments, as opposed to the harsher, more punitive measures common in men's incarceration. In contrast, men's prisons often utilized a cell-block plan, which was characterized by a more institutional and isolating environment. The cell-block design focused on control and discipline, featuring individual cells that separated inmates and enforced a strict regimen. This difference in design and philosophy highlighted broader societal attitudes toward gender roles, with women seen as needing guidance and care, while men were viewed through the lens of discipline and retribution. Thus, the family-style living plan in women's prisons exemplifies a more rehabilitative approach to criminal justice for women, contrasting sharply with the more punitive structure of men's prisons, which facilitated a solitary and isolating atmosphere.