Date of Conferral
1-28-2025
Degree
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
School
Criminal Justice
Advisor
Gregory Koehle
Abstract
Women’s representation in policing has grown throughout time, yet women continue to be underrepresented in policing as well as higher-ranking leadership positions. Despite efforts to increase their representation, many women in policing have yet to receive the proper promotion that they are due over their male counterparts. Further, when women are promoted, they are usually assigned to deal with crimes such as sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, and domestic violence against women. While prior research has addressed these gaps, there are a lack of data on the challenges women encounter while working toward leadership positions in the police workforce. Therefore, this research, grounded in the feminist theory, examined the following research question, “How do women experience obstacles while seeking career advancement in policing?” A phenomenological qualitative approach using purposive sampling of six women police officers from four different agencies were used. Data collection included semi structured, face-to-face interviews with open-ended questions. Data analysis consisted of data reduction, coding, and development of emerging themes. The themes that emerged were gender discrimination, harassment, family issues, and lack of leadership. Results from this study could be utilized for positive social change by police administrators, government officials, and lawmakers to review policies and procedures on police recruiting, promotions, and retention of women police officers.
Recommended Citation
Dukes, Catina, "Obstacles for Women in Policing Seeking Leadership Positions" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16979.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16979
