Interviews were conducted with 123 women serving imprisonment sentences; 68 served their sentences in open conditions, while 55 served their sentences in closed conditions. Most women were below 30 years of age; had spent less than 6 months in prison; and had been imprisoned for theft, fraud, and forgery offenses. Case histories and women's personal comments provided the basis for analysis. It was determined that women in prison shared a common structural position: Their problems stemmed from the marginalization of women in society. Women were released from prison with many of the same problems they had upon entry and, in some cases, these problems worsened. Prisons were unable to respond adequately to the range of problems women presented. Such problems included inadequate housing, limited income, difficult personal relationships, and responsibility for child care. Women had little preparation and assistance for release. This resulted from the probation service's inability to respond to female prisoner problems and women's unwillingness to approach the probation service after release. Suggestions to facilitate the successful reintegration of women into society after prison release are offered. 24 references.