Media and Gender Stereotypes Against Females in Professional Roles Within the Criminal Justice

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Methodology and Theoretical Background
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Although considerable effort has been made to enhance diversity in professional settings, gender still has a significant effect on employees’ prospects. The extent to which gender stereotypes affect females’ careers is specifically apparent within the criminal justice system (Mallicoat, 2018). These stereotypes are often displayed and rather spread in media. This paper includes a brief analysis of the way gender stereotypes are made visible in the popular TV show Brooklyn 9-9.

The media product has a particular interest for the research of gender roles in the criminal justice system as the fictional department is rather inclusive. The TV show is an entertaining comedy sitcom displaying the functioning of a fictional NYPD precinct, but the team is very diversified in terms of gender, race, and even sexual identity. The head of the department is an open gay who is trying to create a perfect team (Goor & Schur, 2014). The TV show has a wide audience, and it is quite popular with a high Rotten Tomatoes rating (critic rating is 89% and audience score is 94%) (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” n.d.). According to viewers’ comments, the TV show is a good pastime. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which stereotypes against female officers are perpetuated in this TV show.

Methodology and Theoretical Background

For the purpose of this study, thirty minutes of the show were closely analyzed. The first and a half of the second episode were chosen as the pilot episode often reflects the essence of the entire show. It is hypothesized that the episodes under consideration will contain numerous instances of stereotyping against women. In order to check the hypothesis, the following variables were identified. Gender is the independent variable, and such dependent variables as using weapons, fighting, displaying compassion, being in control were chosen. These qualities are often seen as central to gender stereotyping and the ones associated with the think-manager-think-male approach within the criminal justice system (Tabassum & Nayak, 2021). The focus will be on professional roles assigned to male and female officers as well as the way these roles are performed.

Liberal feminism will be the theoretical framework guiding this research as it effectively explains the nature of gender stereotyping. According to this paradigm, social roles are distributed unevenlys and the world is still patriarchal since females are often seen as unfit for some duties and types of job, which is placed to the fore in the criminal justice system (Mallicoat, 2018). Females are seen as rather submissive, capable of communicating, and showing compassion individuals who are incapable of completing men’s job (policing).

Results

The episode under analysis features nine main characters (with 33% of female employees, two detectives and one civilian administrator). Based on the data shown in Table 1, it is clear that the team is diverse, to a certain extent, in terms of gender, age, and ethnicity with prevailing white employees and males. The majority of employees are below 40, but their sexual identities are quite homogenous, with only one gay person.

Table 1. Demographic Data

Variable	Features	Number	Percentage
Gender	Male	6	67
Gender	Female	3	33
Ages	30-40	6	67
Ages	41-55	3	33
Race	White	5	56
	Black	2	22
	Hispanic	2	22
Sexual orientation	Straight	8	89
Sexual orientation	Gay	1	11

As far as the stereotype-related variables, the analysis shows that qualities typical of male characters prevail (see Table 2). Assertiveness and being in control are manifested by attempts to show superiority, provide solutions, and lead. Raymond Holt is the captain, so he is in the position of a leader. Gina Linetti is the administrator, so her work is different from the professional duties of detectives.

Table 2. Behavior Stereotypes

	Instances of displaying empathy / compassion	Instances of participating in fight	Instances of weapon use	Instances of being assertive/being in control
Raymond Holt			2	11
Jake Peralta	1	1	3	9
Rosa Diaz	1		1	6
Amy Santiago	1	1	1	5
Terry Jeffords			1	4
Charles Boyle	2	1	2
Gina Linetti	1

Discussion

As mentioned above, the TV show displays an inclusive working environment, but still, males dominate in the police department. As for the dependent variables, the features assigned to men are displayed by both males and females. Peralta is the main character trying to secure his position as a leader in the team under the supervision of the captain and lieutenant, which can explain the figures. At that, females also try to be in control and assertive.

Conclusion

The data show that females have to display male-associated features to be successful in the role of a detective. The TV show displays this stereotype clearly and makes it even stronger. The relationships between male and female employees are shown as gender-neutral as men can call female officers ‘dude.’ Female detectives are always dressed in pants, but their outfits are often tight compared to more comfortable loose clothes of male characters. It is quite obvious that although the criminal justice system is undergoing transformations, gender stereotypes still exist and women need to behave like men to be successful. Female detectives are more disciplined and hardworking as compared to their male peers, but they still occupy the same position. The way women are featured in the TV show also suggests that females are still expected to look pretty and sexy while being assertive and competitive rather than compassionate when trying to police.

References

Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Season 1. (n.d.). Web.

Goor, D., & Schur, M. (Producers). (2014). Pilot [Television series episode]. In D. Goor & M. Schur (Producers), Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Season 1. Los Angeles, CA: Fremulon.

Mallicoat, S. L. (2018). Women, gender, and crime (3rd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.

Tabassum, N., & Nayak, B. S. (2021). Gender stereotypes and their impact on women’s career progressions from a managerial perspective.IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, 1-17. Web.

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