The impact of inmate characteristics on perceptions of race relations in prison

Pace relations is apr issue of great concern to correctional administrators . Prior correctional research has examined only tangentially the impact of race and other sociodemographic variables on inmate perceptions of the inst itutional experience. Virtually no research has been conducted on Hispanic inmates, one of the fastest growing inmate populations. This research build s on prior research on the impact of race on inmate adjustment patterns, an d adds to the literature by including other significant sociodemographic an d criminal history variables as well as including a significant number of H ispanic subjects. The authors surveyed 775 recently released Texas inmates, or exmates. Exmates were asked their perceptions of race relations in pris on. The relationship between selected sociodemographic and criminal history characteristics and exmate perceptions of race relations is examined.