Policing Women: Histories in the Western World, 1800 to 1950

Policing Women explores the historical landscape of womens experiences with the official state police between 1800 and 1950 in the Western world, discussing how women encountered the police, experienced their contact, and the outcomes of that contact. The chapters uncover such experiences in a range of countries across Europe, the USA, Canada, and Australia, focusing on a 150-year period when policing was rapidly changing and being increasingly placed on a formal level. The book is an original and much-needed addition to the literature on changes in policing, womens experiences of the criminal justice system, and womens experiences of control and regulation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Introduction:
The study of policing women explores for the first time the shifting historical terrain of women's encounters with the official state police between 1800 and 1950 in the Western world. By drawing on and expanding upon existing knowledge about policing practices, the volume delves into how women interacted with the official police, how they experienced those encounters, and the consequences of those interactions in the modern Western world. In doing so, it constitutes a groundbreaking and much-needed addition to the literature on changes in policing, women's experiences within the criminal justice system, and women's experiences of control and regulation. The chapters shed light on such experiences across a diverse range of countries in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Importantly, the collection centers its attention on a pivotal period in the history of policing, a 150-year span characterized by rapid transformations and the formalization of policing practices. By bringing together scholarly contributions from esteemed experts, this unique volume forefronts women's experiences of policing, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and students engaged in the study of history of crime, historical criminology, the history of criminal justice, and women's history.
Changing Landscapes of Women's Experiences with the Official State Police:
Throughout the historical period under examination, women's experiences with the official state police underwent significant transformations. In the early 1800s, women's interactions with the police were often limited to domestic matters, such as disputes between spouses or missing persons reports. However, as time progressed, women's roles in society expanded, and they began to participate more actively in public life. This shift led to increased contact with the police, particularly in cases of crime and disorder. Women's experiences of policing during this period were shaped by a range of factors, including gender norms, societal attitudes, and legal frameworks. For example, in many societies, women were considered inferior to men and were often subjected to discrimination and violence by the police. Additionally, women were often excluded from formal police training and employment opportunities, which limited their ability to influence policing practices.
Women's Encounters with the Police:
Women's encounters with the police varied widely depending on the context and the individual officer involved. Some women reported positive experiences with the police, where officers were respectful and helpful in resolving their issues. However, many women also reported negative experiences, including harassment, discrimination, and violence. Women who were marginalized or vulnerable, such as women of color, low-income women, and women who were sexually assaulted, were particularly at risk of experiencing negative encounters with the police.
Outcomes of Women's Contact with the Police:
The outcomes of women's contact with the police were multifaceted and complex. On the one hand, women's involvement in the criminal justice system could lead to positive outcomes, such as the conviction of criminals and the protection of vulnerable populations. On the other hand, women's contact with the police could also have negative consequences, such as trauma, imprisonment, and the perpetuation of gender-based violence.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, policing women provides a valuable contribution to the literature on changes in policing, women's experiences within the criminal justice system, and women's experiences of control and regulation. By examining the shifting historical landscape of women's encounters with the official state police, the volume sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of women's experiences of policing. It highlights the need for continued research and advocacy to address the gender-based disparities and inequalities that exist in the criminal justice system and to promote greater gender equality in policing practices.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367558178