To the average American, the words “women’s prison” conjure images of sadistic guards, repulsive food and B-movies with names like “Caged Heat.” But as the photos in this gallery show, in some parts of the world the grimness of life on the inside occasionally gives way to satin sashes, stiletto heels and rhinestone-crusted tiaras. Pageants in the pokey might seem like exploitation for the warden’s benefit, but they can be useful tools in maintaining control of the inmate population--and they’re viewed as genuine morale-boosters in prisons in Latin America and the former Soviet Union. Participation in the contests can even count as good behavior come parole time. A look at captivity’s softer side.
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