The Myth of Prison Rape: Sexual Culture in American Prisons

by Mark S. Fleisher, Jessie L. Krienert

The Myth of Prison Rape provides a nuanced glimpse into the complex sexual dynamics of American prison. Drawing on results from the most comprehensive study of inmate sexuality to date, Mark S. Fleisher and Jessie L. Krienert analyze the intricacies of sexuality and sexual violence in daily inmate life. Pulled from over 500 interviews from male and female high-security inmates, their research assesses inmate perception, belief, opinion, and explanation of their own behavior as it relates directly and indirectly to sexual life and sexual violence. Dynamic case studies and interview excerpts enliven this cultural study of sexuality, safety, and violence in American prisons, and an appendix introduces readers to prison sexual vocabulary.

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2008

About the author

of Case Western Reserve University

Reviews

[Max]

Author comes across fascinatingly smug and unlovable. This research supports that violent surprise assaults are much, much less common in prison than either prison folklore or the public imagination insists, which is an interesting insight. Author then goes on to completely buy into the prison culture norm of every form of rape except forceful attacks where a victim fights back and is overpowered being considered "not rape", so even though less stereotypical rape is extremely common... no it isn't!!! Lots of detail is provided about the defensive and disturbing ideas of what counts as rape held by people kept in captivity. It's a little beyond shocking when that perspective is accepted as an equally valid definition of rape by academics who um, live in normal houses . Lots of interesting information. Bizarre and offensive conclusions.

[Stephen Cranney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The definitive work on the subject.

[Marina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well written but the concept is flawed. I believe you need much more convincing and clear evidence before dismissing such a painful and enormous human rights issue. Read it! But please be critical.