The Myth of Prison Rape provides a nuanced glimpse into the complex sexual dynamics of American prison. Drawing on results from the most comprehensive study of inmate sexuality to date, Mark S. Fleisher and Jessie L. Krienert analyze the intricacies of sexuality and sexual violence in daily inmate life. Pulled from over 500 interviews from male and female high-security inmates, their research assesses inmate perception, belief, opinion, and explanation of their own behavior as it relates directly and indirectly to sexual life and sexual violence. Dynamic case studies and interview excerpts enliven this cultural study of sexuality, safety, and violence in American prisons, and an appendix introduces readers to prison sexual vocabulary.

"The Myth of Prison Rape is controversial, both for the arguments presented and because many scholars, policymakers and issue advocates believe that the study is (or should be) something very different than what it actually is. The book is an excellent example of scholarship, and a book that provides readers with a nuanced understanding of how prison inmates establish and maintain a cultural system. This is a book that is highly recommended for students of institutional corrections, as well as those scholars, policy-makers and advocates interested or focused on institutional violence (of all forms, not just sexual). The Myth of Prison Rape is a well-done, informative, and very valuable study of prison culture and the place of sexual violence folklore within prison culture." - Columbia Journalism Review