Abstract
Utilizing a theoretically derived sample, selected women who worked in corrections were interviewed in order to better understand what barriers women thought most impeded their success in moving up the organizational ladder. This work rests on the qualitative case study methodology. Three major themes emerged from interviews. Women believed that their chances for promotion within corrections were negatively impacted by: a belief that they could not perform the job as well as comparable men, an environment marked by sexual harassment, and problems in balancing work and home responsibilities. Male correctional officers were viewed as dominating the field. Further, there was a belief among these women, who worked in corrections, that comparable men were generally perceived as more capable.
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Notes
In this work, the term ‘corrections’ or the ‘correctional setting’ is conceptualized as being the employment area for the participants, whether it is community, institutional, or administrational. The terms encompass various staff roles that are available; such as counselors, correctional officers, supervisors, superintendents, or directors. Promotional opportunities are defined as job advancements which may or may not include a pay increase and/or supervision of other employees. These promotions can be at a vertical level as well as at a horizontal level.
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Matthews, C., Monk-Turner, E. & Sumter, M. Promotional Opportunities: How Women in Corrections Perceive their Chances for Advancement at Work. Gend. Issues 27, 53–66 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-010-9089-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-010-9089-5