NCJ Number
101695
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 46 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1986) Pages: 127-133
Date Published
1986
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Special problems facing female police officers are discussed within the context of traditional sex-role expectations and police attitudes and organizational structure in Great Britain.
Abstract
Historically, women have played a secondary role to men. In addition, working women with families are faced with conflicting roles as a result of cultural gender expectations, family responsibilities, financial necessity, and career goals. These conflicts are particularly salient for women in nontraditional occupations such as policing. In addition to negative attitudes among male coworkers, female officers face discriminatory practices in hiring, job assignment, and promotion. Studies of occupational stress indicate that police experience high rates of social and family problems, including divorce, alcoholism, and suicide. These problems, associated with the conditions of police work, are compounded for women by role conflicts and negative attitudes. Police administrators must become conscious of the special problems facing women on the job, develop policies against sexual discrimination, and become sensitive to the demands of these women's dual roles. 29 references.