318 12 Corrections and Prison Practices—Family ForensicsPollock-Byrne (1990) described the male and female roles as being stereotypical
where the males are domineering and leading and the females are nurturing and
pleasing. Because the inmates play these roles in such a stereotypical fashion, those
playing the male role may seem so masculine that they are referred to as "he" and
"him". These "men" also may become carried away with their roles and treat their
wives as slaves, ordering them around. The women who go along with this behavior
probably have been involved in similar relationships while outside of prison. There-
fore, it is a habit for them to do anything in order to keep their man (Watterson,
1996).
Despite the sometimes negative consequences of developing prison marriages,
these relationships actually serve to meet the inmates' needs for affection, and they
provide closeness and a sense of belonging (Giallombardo, 1966). The women turn
to each other for comfort and create these homosexual relationships and surro-
gate families (Church, 1990). The marriages may not even have anything to do
with sex. In fact, some women may never consummate their marriage in a sexual
manner (Watterson, 1996). Instead, possibly for the first time ever, the women
base their relationships on kinship and intimacy as opposed to sex (Pollock-Byrne,
1990).
Relationships among female prisoners may not be restricted to homosexual
unions. Entire families organize themselves by choice and give each other titles
(MacKenzie ct a!., 1989). Women of varying ages assume roles of mothers, daugh-
ters, aunts, and fathers (Church, 1990; MacKenzie et aL, 1989). As in Kelly and
Sabrina s situation, age does not necessarily dictate what role the women play. These
families are not bound by ethnic categories either. Many families will include mem-
bers of several ethnicities (Church, 1990). Pollock-Byrne (1990) reported that the
mother—daughter dyad is the most common familial relationship. A prison mother
may have several daughters, and if she has a prison husband, then he may become
their father, as Chris did for Kelly. Pollock-Byrne also indicated that when playing
the role of mother in prison, the inmate may be a better parent to her role-playing
daughter than she ever was to her real children on the outside. For the inmates
playing the role of the child, their prison mother serves as a type of role model and
may become like a real mother, who helps instead of neglects them (Watterson,
1996b). In Kelly's situation, Sabrina became a real mother for her.
Whether this is true in all situations, prison families, especially the roles of parent
and child, are viewed as very special. The relationships consist of consideration
and warmth (Giallombardo, 1966). The families are similar to regular friendships
where the inmates support each other in order to decrease the stress of life in
prison. Coming together as a family allows them to feel a sense of security, ease,
and connection with others (Watterson, 1996). The family also serves as a form
of protection for each member. If a member of the family is in physical danger
from some other inmate, then the "father" or "brother" can protect that person
(Giallombardo, 1966; Watterson, 1996).