We recommend that you do not mix gender in groups where people potentially share vulnerable or sensitive information—as they would when using the Carey Guides—especially given the percentage of females involved in the justice system who have a history of abuse and trauma. Dr. Marilyn Van Dieten offers this summary of the limited research and primary arguments used to support gender-specific groups:
Perhaps one of the greatest debates currently raised by professionals working with women in the justice system is the need to provide “women-only” groups. There is some research to suggest that although men may benefit from mixed-gender groups, women benefit more from all-female groups (Aries, 1976). In all-male groups, men say little about themselves, their key relationships, or their feelings, while women share a great deal about themselves, their feelings, and their relationships with lovers, friends, and family. Other reasons for a “women-only” group include the following:
- Women are more supportive of one another in all-female groups than in mixed groups due to socialization to compete for male attention.
- Aries found that, over time, women expressed a preference for single-gender groups.
- Women and girls who lack a secure sense of self and have histories of abuse by males are even less likely to speak up on taboo topics such as substance use and violence when males are present.
- A women-only setting can provide more opportunities for feelings to be explored and validated.
- Safety means freedom from harassment or threat of physical violence.
- Research suggests that men dominate the airspace—talking more than women and interrupting women. Women feel more able to question and learn in single-sex groups.
- In general, men assume positions of leadership, and male styles of leadership are seen as “right.” Women-only groups provide women with opportunities to develop leadership skills and explore new ways of working.
- Women-only groups enable them to explore their individual strengths and weaknesses without the risk of “female/male” stereotypes.
The bottom line is that we do not recommend mixed-gender groups; however, that doesn’t mean that you can’t used mixed-gender groups and get positive results. If you need to mix gender (e.g., to have enough people to fill a group), then we urge you to find a facilitator who is gender- and trauma-sensitive, clear on boundaries, and careful to monitor the group dynamics, and to use assessment techniques to ensure that the group's needs are being met.