UNIT C - Post 16

The path towards becoming a correctional officer is gendered because women don't have to have much work experience to receive a job in this field and most of them came from clerical positions that didn't have the skills needed in order to be a corrections officer. Alot of men in this job had prior experience in the military and were somewhat experienced when it came to certain tactics and felt more secure and safe in the work environment. Since these women didn't have any prior police or corrections experience they often went into the job with fear because they were unsure of what went on in prisons. Most women had never even seen a prison first hand therefore had no idea what they were getting themselves into. Alot of people see that being a corrections officer pays a decent salary and they jump right on it because they want to receive a good paycheck and are amazed that they can do this with the lack of experience they have. However, men with diplomas or GED's were found to have higher salaries than women. While growing up, most women don't long for a job in corrections since this doesn't seem like the most luxurious atmosphere. I think some women actually like being a corrections officer and enjoy it but alot of women probably go for this type of career because they don't have many options. If they don't have any experience under their belt or never went to college then they can't really obtain a career that's higher up such as detective therefore they are stuck being a corrections officer because the experience is limited and really not required. Men however want to be in corrections. I think men feel this is a powerful job because they can control inmates and this makes them feel powerful and on top of the world. I think being in charge makes a man feel needed and manly so this job would appeal towards a man more than towards a woman. I feel social networks play a big part in job opportunities because the more people you know in the field the more likely you are able to get the position you want and probably much quicker. Since more men accompany correctional type positions then they are more likely to turn their focus on other men and would rather hire them for the positions since they are seen as stronger and more forceful therefore this is gendered and biased. Men also might feel threatened working with a woman who is doing the same type of work as them and they might feel inferior if the women were to do a much better job than them so they are least likely to help a woman get the job.