Abstract

How are incarcerated women mistreated in the United States? Does watching television, specifically Orange Is the New Black, affect viewers and their perception and knowledge (or lack thereof) of mistreatment of incarcerated women in the United States? This work aims to answer the questions provided sociologically and through the perspective of communication studies, while additionally examining how the popular television series Orange Is the New Black (2013) can contribute to one’s knowledge and perceptions of incarcerated women in the U.S. In order to articulate the gaps between reality and media construction, I identify and examine the aspects of mistreatment of incarcerated women in regard to juvenile offender discrepancies, violence perpetuated by prison guards, and lack of adequate healthcare and mental health/addiction treatment. In order to examine the concept of one’s perception of and knowledge about incarcerated women and their unique experiences, I conducted focus group research. I conclude that both the viewing and non-viewing group had some knowledge of the mistreatment of incarcerated women in the United States. Additionally, I argue participants who watched OITNB have more empathy towards incarcerated women and are more likely to enact agency.

Advisor

Matsuzawa, Setsuko

Second Advisor

Bostdorff, Denise

Department

Communication Studies; Sociology and Anthropology

Disciplines

Communication | Criminology | Gender and Sexuality | Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication | Race and Ethnicity | Social Influence and Political Communication | Sociology

Keywords

Orange Is the New Black, prison, incarcerated women, mistreatment, focus groups

Publication Date

2022

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2022 Nikki M. E. Hoseus