Gendered Pathways of Strain and Occupational Deviance Among Correctional Officers in the U.S.

Few studies have examined how various types of strain results in workplace deviance among correctional officers. Furthermore, the question as to whether male and female correctional officers differ in the type of strain experienced or the coping mechanisms used to negate such strain remains unaddressed. Using general strain theory (GST) as a theoretical framework, this study uses data from correctional officers employed at two state correctional systems for analysis. A series of regression models are employed to predict the degree to which men and women differ in the types of workplace strain experienced and how such strain is associated with occupational deviance. Policy Implications are also discussed.