Hitting the Blue Ceiling: Perceived Gender Discrimination and Job Satisfaction Among South Korean Female Police Officers

• In Event: Police Organization: Gender, Discrimination and Organizational Outcomes

Abstract

The literature on the impact of recruiting women into law enforcement highlights their contributions to various aspects of police work, such as increased sensitivity to intimate partner violence cases, improved community relations, and a greater ability to de-escalate potentially violent situations. Despite these contributions, female officers remain underrepresented in policing. A male-dominated police culture has been identified as a significant factor perpetuating gender inequalities, which contributes to higher stress levels, burnout, lower job satisfaction, and increased turnover rates among female officers. This study examines job satisfaction among female officers in the Korean National Police, where women make up only 15% of the force despite efforts to increase recruitment. Using a sample of 300 female officers, the study examines the relationship between gender discrimination and job satisfaction. Preliminary findings suggest that perceptions of gender discrimination and bias in the workplace reinforce a sense of limited opportunities for upward mobility, ultimately leading to lower job satisfaction. Policy implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Riccardo Ferraresso, Dongguk University

• Xinting Wang, The Law School at Henan University

• Dayoon Park, Dongguk University

• Jeongmin Oh, Dongguk University