ABSTRACT
SUMMARY. As a consequence of "the war on drugs" and "take a bite out of crime" policies, the prison population in the United States has increased dramatically. One of the seldom discussed consequences of these policies is their impact on women. Between 1980 and 1994 the population of women inmates increased 386% compared to a 214% increase in the male prison population. The majority of these women are mothers who were living with minor children before being sent to prison. This article provides a contextual framework for understanding the issues facing women in prison and their children. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getinfo@haworth.com]
