Emotional inequities

Exploring qualitatively the relationship between gender, emotional labour and well-being in UK prison officers

This project explores the ways in which male and female prison officers (POs) manage their own feelings – known as 'emotional labour' – as well as those of their co-workers and inmates in British prisons, and the consequences for well-being.

Hands of a prison officer removing handcuff from their belt, from which also hangs assorted keys

Emotional labour is more frequently performed by women. In contrast, occupations underpinned by a masculine culture are often characterised by the suppression of emotions and emotional detachment.

Our research is interested in exploring ways in which officer gender might impact upon emotional labour. Specifically, how is emotional labour being performed? What coping strategies are officers using to manage emotions? What are the effects on the well-being of officers?

Prisons have been viewed as 'emotional arenas' where complex and negative emotions are often expressed. Through their interactions at work, POs are routinely involved in managing emotions or performing emotional labour.

Prisons are also gendered spaces, where 'macho' attitudes can construe emotions as weakness. Little is known, however, about the personal impact of emotional labour and whether it is distributed equitably across male and female POs.

Numerous studies have shown a tendency to view gender as simply one demographic variable that might mediate the experience of well-being at work. Framed by feminist insights, this project aims to place gender more centrally by exploring the ways in which male and female POs engage in emotional labour.

Aims, objectives and proposed methodology

The overall aim of this project is to explore the relationship between emotional labour, gender and well-being in male and female POs.

The proposed methodology features online interviews with current and former POs (10 male and 10 female) who are/have worked at prisons in England and Wales. All will have/have had regular contact with prisoners in their daily duties. Participants will be self-selected and recruited through social media platforms.

Potential impact

  • Gender equity: this project could lead to improved equity for female POs by highlighting possible inequities related to their workplace emotional labour.
  • Learning and development: this research could potentially impact on the learning and development of POs by drawing attention to potential gaps in knowledge, skills and/or attitudes in initial training.
  • Officer well-being: this investigation has the potential to impact on the well-being of POs through increased understanding of healthy coping strategies.

Research outputs and outcomes

This proposed study aims to progress the research agenda within a uniformed sector which is regarded by many researchers as the ‘forgotten service’. Within CEEUPS, this planned investigation sits within the personal impact strand, which aims to explore the mental health challenges associated with working in hostile (prison) environments.

A range of outputs are anticipated as part of this project. Firstly, an internal report will be written and shared within CEEUPS. Secondly, at least one publication is planned in a relevant peer-reviewed journal. Thirdly, the authors plan to present the findings at a conference.

It is also anticipated that a podcast will be created to disseminate findings to a practitioner audience. Finally, several infographics are planned based on the both the thematic findings and our recommendations.

One key outcome is that the project is anticipated to shape policy and practice in the prison service. It is likely to achieve this through informing debates over not only the initial training of POs and their ongoing learning and development, but also their well-being needs.

Project team