Abstract:
Almost all studies of policewomen are concerned with strong and specific
strains on the identity. The literature reviewed reveals both two social
divides and two occupational divides. Theories of identity are also reviewed
and these similarly separate into those concerned with socialisation and
others which focus on struggles, on conflicts. Both draw attention to the
social contexts and to coping strategies. From these literature based accounts
a methodology is derived which brings together the quantitative and the
qualitative through the use of the survey, the interview and participant
observation. There were 152 respondents, 24 interview subjects and three
periods of observation.
The key link is to be found in the Theory of Type. There is a policewomen
personality which extraverts 'sensing'; external world patterns and facts are
preferred to abstract relationships. This type is in balance with the
background characteristics identified. Family members encouraged joining,
educational levels are higher than average and the women joined especially
for job security and pay along with a value of public service. Their dislikes
spread across their treatment by both men and the management structure.
Their likes are for the variety and unpredictability of the work itself. The
critical incident interviews deepen the understanding of the conflicts
experienced, five major conflicts being identified. The responses include
confrontation, a strategy previously unidentified as having the same degree
of Significance as others in managing conflicts of identity. Passing and
denial are much less frequently used. The longer serving and the promoted
women are more likely to be confrontational in their responses to
contradictions.
The distinction between policewomen and policewomen was not identifiable
in this sample. The greatest preference for managing contradictions and
conflict was through assertion and confrontation. These data lead to the
conclusion that gender identity can be a synthesis rather than a
segmentation. Furthermore this synthesis may be both personal and stable
and an aspect of policewomen whether on or off duty.
