It is generally assumed that the subcultures experienced by men and women in prison are diametrically opposed. Previous research indicates that incarcerated women create more stable interpersonal relationships. Thirty-five women imprisoned in the Midwest were interviewed, and their comments suggest the subculture found in women's prisons might be changing. While their observations support the notion that prisons for women are generally less violent, involve less gang activity, and do not facilitate the racial tensions evident in men's prisons, the respondents indicated their interpersonal relationships may be less stable and less familial than in the past. Specifically, participants discussed the high degree of mistrust inherent in their friendships with other female inmates. In addition, they reported numerous reasons women engage in sexual relationships; however, they believe the primary motivation involves economic manipulation. Finally, respondents did not report a significant or formal enactment of familial networks. Factors which might influence such changes are considered.

Until recently, the emotional experiences of women in prison have been overlooked by symbolic interactionists and social scientists. Similarly, research relevant to the sociology of emotions has not been explored in the social context of a correctional institution for women. The purpose of this study is to investigate emotional experiences from the unique perspective of incarcerated women. This research examines how women in prison perceive and manage their emotional lives while con ned and asks whether their chosen strategies have an impact on their interactions and thus affect the institutional environment. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with thirty-ve women incarcerated in a correctional institution located in the midwestern United States. Using a semistructured interview schedule, respondents were asked about a range of topics, one of which involved their emotional lives while incarcerated. Findings indicate these women de ne their emotional experiences as being simultaneously provocative and constrained. Respondents suggest that their emotional resources are individually, contextually, and culturally grounded. They discuss employing various strategies to manage their emotional lives while incarcerated, including diversions, spiritual pursuits, blocking exercises, self-re ection, and humor. The majority of the techniques employed to control emotions are intrapersonal. Respondents describe personal efforts designed to manage their emotional experiences rather than share their feelings with others.

Individuals with physical disabilities are often stigmatized because their bodies are assumed to vary from norms of physical competence and bodily appearance. Possession of a discrediting attribute may impair social interactions and result in the devaluation of an individual. The purpose of this paper is to explore how involvement in sport and physical activity may be one strategy to manage the stigma of a disabled body. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 24 male college students with physical disabilities. Findings indicate that respondents believe this context helps them exceed expectations associated with their disability through demonstration of physical skill, a fit healthy body, a muscular body, and a liberated body. Sport and physical activity may be effective in compensating for a spoiled identity as participation in this setting is unexpected and emphasizes an alternative representation of a disabled body.

Children with physical disabilities are frequently excluded by classmates and discouraged from participating in such typical childhood experiences as physical activity. By being restricted from this context, these children have fewer opportunities to enhance physical and social skills. The purpose of this study is to examine the socialization potential of physical activity for children with physical disabilities. In-depth, tape-recorded interviews were conducted with 21 boys and girls with physical disabilities (age 10 to 17 years) regarding perceived outcomes of their physical activity and reactions of others toward their participation. Findings indicate that physical activity is a normalizing experience for these children because it facilitates perceptions of legitimating their social identity as children and provides a setting in which social networks with peers are enhanced. Implications of physical activity as a context for socialization of children with physical disabilities as well as a setting for their identity work are discussed.

The analysis presented in this article is derived from a larger longitudinal project that attempts to study the experiences of women being released from prison. A focus of this research is to better understand the challenges that women face in achieving sustainable financial, emotional, and familial lives after release. The data consist of baseline interviews with 41 women who were incarcerated in a prison system in the midwestern United States and were within 6 months of release. The purpose of this substudy is to investigate the ways in which women prepare for the reshaping of their identities as they approach their release dates. Women in this study have great difficulty describing who they are as individuals, and they often relate this difficulty to past experiences of trauma. Their descriptions of self are typically ill defined, unstable, and extremely fluid. Many report that their understanding of themselves as addicts helps them to develop a clearer, more stable sense of self.