NCJ Number
103126
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1986) Pages: 91-112
Date Published
1986
Length
22 pages
Annotation
To determine differences in cynicism levels between male and female police officers, 89 female officers and 79 male officers completed Niederhoffer's Cynicism Scale.
Abstract
Officers were in the Memphis Police Department (Tennessee), which serves about 925,000 citizens. The analysis examined rank, length of service, and educational level to determine their effects on the dependent variable of cynicism as measured by the Niederhoffer scale. Cynicism was defined as 'an attitude of contemptuous distrust of human nature and motives.' There was no statistically significant difference in levels of cynicism between male and female patrol officers when years of service were controlled. There were differences in cynicism between male and female officers in relation to some variables. Although male officers who achieved promotions showed a marked decline in cynicism, there was not a cynicism decline of similar magnitude among female officers promoted. Also, college-educated female officers manifested a higher cynicism level than the college-educated male officer. These differing cynicism levels between male and female officers by rank and education suggest that women experience more occupational problems due to having to combat traditional sex role orientations in police departments. 6 data tables and 38 references.