Exploring the Dynamics of Masturbation and Consensual Same-Sex Activity within a Male Maximum Security Prison

Abstract

Research on the topic of masturbation and same-sex sexual activities within male prisons has been sparse in sociological and correctional literature. The purpose of the present study was to examine the prevalence, amount, and frequency of masturbation and consensual homosexual activity among male inmates. Surveys were administered to 142 inmates in a male Southern correctional facility. The most salient variable associated with the frequency of male inmate masturbation was education. Educated inmates were more likely to be frequent masturbators in prison than less educated inmates. Race and religion had significant effects on same-sex activities within male prisons. White inmates were more likely to engage in consensual homosexual behavior than non-whites. In addition, non-Protestants were more likely than Protestants to engage in same-sex sexual activities while incarcerated. The present study finds support for both the deprivation and importation models.