the construction of masculinity or femininity in an all-women’s prison
You have asked a very critical question on my view about the construction of masculinity or femininity in an all-women’s prison. In my opinion, I believe that although the prison might be an all-female institution, the prisoners tend to revere masculinity, more than femininity. As a result, masculinity is already a common thing in most female prisons. By relying on a Netflix series like ‘Locked Up,” it is has demonstrated that in such institutions, women who showcase stoicism, autonomy, heterosexual prowess, and ambition are seen to be more masculine than the rest. Moreover, females who have access to more resources in prisons or embrace toxic leadership skills such as treating other women who have feminine characteristics as maids are often viewed as masculine individuals.
Nevertheless, this kind of society is not entirely built by the hardships experienced in prisons. It is entirely dependent on the precedents that have been set by those who were incarcerated before. Moreover, masculinity in prison in also cultured by the staff who support the continuation of a culture that supports such masculinity. One way of spotting masculine women in an all-female prison is through their masculine hairstyles (short hair, or corn-rows), or in their way of walking (sagging pants, spitting, or using masculine gestures).