Author ORCID Identifier:
Date of Graduation
8-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods
Advisor/Mentor
Christian, David
Committee Member
Popejoy, Erin
Second Committee Member
Hill, Julie
Third Committee Member
Lundeen, Lindsey
Keywords
Correctional Facility; Justice-involved; Reddit; Reflexive Thematic Analysis; Social Constructionism; Transgender
Abstract
This qualitative study examines transgender individuals' experiences within the justice system. This study seeks to illuminate the complex realities of incarceration using social constructionism and reflexive thematic analysis. The social constructionist perspective offers a framework for understanding how gendered identities are shaped, constrained, and policed within institutional contexts. The analysis of narratives from Large Reddit communities allows this study to examine how transgender individuals make sense of and survive correctional environments. A comprehensive analysis of the data generated the following six major themes: (1) Solitary Confinement Universally Induces Horror, (2) Discriminatory Treatment Leads to Disillusionment with the Criminal Justice System, (3) Purposeful Endangerment by Authority, (4) Paranoia and Hypervigilance, (5) Crash Course in Navigating Prison, and (6) Resilience as a Coping Mechanism. Ultimately, this study contributes to a growing body of scholarship advocating for the rights and dignity of transgender individuals in the justice system. This research provides critical insight into the intersection of gender, power, and institutional violence in the lives of incarcerated trans people. It additionally discusses the implications for correctional reform and mental health interventions.
Citation
Pemu, M. (2025). Prone to Prejudice: Trans Experiences and Structural Harm in the U.S. Prison System. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/5936
