Women in Law Enforcement: Subverting Sexual Harassment with Social Bonds

Abstract

Female law enforcement officers who have strong social bonds with their colleagues can reduce the effect that sexual harassment has on job satisfaction. Social bond theory was tested to examine the relationship between sexual harassment and job satisfaction in a sample of 109 active-duty male and female police and correctional officers. Law enforcement personnel are thought to be particularly vulnerable to stressors on the job, like sexual harassment, but they can significantly benefit from strong departmental and colleague support. With some progress toward gender equity, this study shows that female officers still face barriers that are linked to this predominantly male-dominated career.