ABSTRACT
The homosexual adjustment in prison, as opposed to continence or masturbation, has the important advantage of being social and demonstrative. Further, there are cultural disparities in terms of preinstitutional attitudes toward sex in general, and homosexuality in particular, which are also productive of specific conflicts about sexual adjustment. For the men prisoners homosexuality serves as a source of affection, a source of the validation of masculinity, or a source of protection from the problems of institutional life. The processes of induction into homosexual activity in the women's prison are part of a search for affection and stability in personal relationships, and follow the same principles of those observed in men's institutions. Black homosexuality in general, and black homosexuality in prison particularly, seem different from the white experience. The dilemma for the prison manager is that often he or she is not aware of the relationships until they erupt into violence.
