More than 50,000 women are incarcerated in State and Federal prisons in the United States. The lives of these women are as varied as those in society, and they cope with incarceration in different ways. The female inmates reveal hope, frustration, stubbornness, pride, and resignation through their candid and sometimes shocking stories. Some inmates tend to make trouble, others just want to do their time and get out, and still others are truly interested in learning practical skills and pursuing an education while imprisoned. Most women have children on the outside, many are single and their children have been taken away from them, and those who enter prison pregnant see their babies for only a few days before they are separated. Correctional staff provide insights on their frustrations in working with female inmates and their belief that no one approach will rehabilitate all offenders. Photographs