Abstract
The purpose of this project is to create prison programming that is educational and focuses on deconstructing traditional masculinity. The United States has a long history of mass incarceration with California having some of the highest incarceration rates in the country. Justice impacted people are not adequately given the opportunity for educational personal development programming. Obtaining prison programming is a difficult task in itself. The library staff at California State Prison Solano sought to create change and explore solutions for this issue. Specifically, a group of justice impacted men who had previously participated in a library book club wanted teaching curriculum that would add to their “I See Her” book club. This book club taught the men the fight and struggles women have faced in the United States. The men in the book club wanted teaching curriculum that would further educate them on the impact of toxic masculinity on themselves, the women in their lives, and the environment around them. The result of this led to the creation of this thesis project. This original and first of its kind prison program breaks down traditional masculinity and examines ways for group members to analyze masculinity and apply techniques of healthy communication, respect, self-reflection, and personal development.