Tokenism and the Concrete Ceiling: Navigating Racial and Gender Disparities in the Experiences of Black Female Police Officers
通过对英格兰和威尔士21名黑人女警的质性研究，揭示种族与性别交叉影响下她们面临的“混凝土天花板”式职业障碍，包括孤立、边缘化和晋升受限，挑战了警察组织的平等文化假说。
ABSTRACT In this qualitative study, we investigate the lived experiences of 21 Black female police officers in England and Wales, with a focus on the intersectional impacts of race and gender on their professional journeys. By employing “tokenism” as a theoretical lens, we investigate the prevalence of a “concrete ceiling”—a set of explicit and implicit barriers that obstruct the career progression of Black female police officers. The participants' narratives illuminate a complex interplay of racial segregation, gender discrimination, and a patriarchal organizational culture. These factors collectively contribute to their feelings of isolation, marginalization, and limited opportunities for advancement. Our study reveals that Black female police officers often face tokenistic treatment, leading to heightened visibility, increased pressure, and a sense of being constantly under scrutiny. The findings challenge the notion of an egalitarian culture within the police organizations and highlight an urgent need for systemic change. By emphasizing the unique challenges faced by Black female police officers, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the barriers to diversity and inclusion within the policing profession.