What is a common characteristic of the population of female prisoners in terms of education?

A common characteristic of the female prisoner population is that less than half have not completed high school or obtained a GED. This reflects broader trends in education and social background among incarcerated individuals. Many female prisoners come from disadvantaged backgrounds with limited access to quality education, contributing to a lower overall educational attainment. Studies have shown that high rates of illiteracy and lower graduation rates are prevalent among incarcerated women, which can be linked to various social factors such as poverty, trauma, and unstable family environments.

While some women in prison do acquire vocational training or may even obtain higher education while incarcerated, the statistic indicating that a significant portion lack even a high school diploma is a stark reminder of the educational barriers they face. The implications of this lack of education are critical, as educational programs can play a pivotal role in rehabilitation and reducing recidivism among female offenders.