NCJ Number
71030
Date Published
1980
Length
131 pages
Annotation
The history of women in the criminal justice system as criminals, corrections officers, police officers, and lawyers has been governed by one widely held sterotype: the 'Madonna/Whore' duality.
Abstract
The 'Madonna/Whore' duality is illustrated by men's perception of women as ready sources of offspring, physical satisfaction, adornment, cheap labor, and entertainment. Paradoxically, throughout history women were often placed on a pedestal as incarnations of probity and virtue. Women therefore, were considered both weak and vulnerable, yet pure and worthy of the highest regard. An examination of women in the criminal justice system shows that as long as women remained in their prescribed, traditional roles, they were accepted. However, when women sought to challenge the prevailing segregated status (beginning in the late 1950's), obstacles appeared. The employment gains women have achieved within the criminal justice system have been exaggerated, since most gains exist mainly in legislation guaranteeing women equal employment opportunity. As of 1978, women constituted about 10 percent of corrections officers, 3 percent of law enforcement officers, 9 percent of lawyers, 4 percent of judges, and about 1 percent of the administrators in each of these fields. Furthermore, the female offender has been virtually ignored compared to her male counterpart. Although theories abound concerning the criminality of female offenders, little is done on a practical basis to ascertain concrete causes or solutions. The 'Madonna/Whore' myth is reinforced by the general perception of the female offender as a deviant, nonconforming woman. Similarly, the intensity of the 'Madonna/Whore' duality is apparent in statements describing women who want full integration and equal employment opportunity, promotion, and advancement up the career ladder in the criminal justice system: unwomanly, sexually suspect, loose, physically weak, emotionally unstable, and dangerous to the lives of corrections and police officers and to the legal cases of clients. Thus, although limited gains have been made by professional women, full equality in the criminal justice system will not be a reality in the near future. This book contains historical narratives tracing women's entrance into criminal justice fields. In addition, much of its content derives from observations and personal conversations with prisoners, correctional and police personnel, lawyers, and judges in a number of cities. Footnotes and an index are included.