Differences in retrospective perceptions of parenting of male and female inmates and non-inmates

One hundred twenty-eight inmates and 337 non-inmates completed parenting qu estionnaires that assessed retrospective perceptions of their fathers' and mothers' authoritative authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles, as w ell as the stylistic dimensions found within the three styles. Inmates repo rted higher incidence than non-inmates of both authoritarian and permissive parenting styles and dimensions, and lower incidence of the authoritative parenting style and dimensions. Significant interactions between inmate sta tus and parent gender and child gender were also found. Recommendations for family life educators in prison settings are outlined.