Gender Differences in Jail House Art and Graffiti

Abstract

This paper examines the differences in art and grafitti produced by men and women who were detained at the Porter County Jail from approximately 1991-2002. The purpose of this investigation was to determine through a content analysis if the drawings and writings of maile and female detainees differed in significant ways. Results of the study indicate that the amount, content and form of the artwork produced differ significantly by sex. Theories of gender role socialization and communication are used to explain the patterns found among the words and pictures.