Tokenism and the Concrete Ceiling: Navigating Racial and Gender Disparities in the Experiences of Black Female Police Officers
Article
Adisa, T. A., Gbadamosi, G., Lashmore, T. and Roy-Mukherjee, S. 2025. Tokenism and the Concrete Ceiling: Navigating Racial and Gender Disparities in the Experiences of Black Female Police Officers. Gender, Work and Organization. p. In press. https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.13260
Authors | Adisa, T. A., Gbadamosi, G., Lashmore, T. and Roy-Mukherjee, S. |
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Abstract | In this qualitative study, we investigate the lived experiences of 21 Black female police officers in England and Wales, with a focus on the intersectional impacts of race and gender on their professional journeys. By employing ‘tokenism’ as a theoretical lens, we investigate the prevalence of a ‘concrete ceiling’ – a set of explicit and implicit barriers that obstruct the career progression of Black female police officers. The participants’ narratives illuminate a complex interplay of racial segregation, gender discrimination, and a patriarchal organisational culture. These factors collectively contribute to their feelings of isolation, marginalisation, and limited opportunities for advancement. Our study reveals that Black female police officers often face tokenistic treatment, leading to heightened visibility, increased pressure, and a sense of being constantly under scrutiny. The findings challenge the notion of an egalitarian culture within the police organisations and highlight an urgent need for systemic change. By emphasising the unique challenges faced by Black female police officers, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the barriers to diversity and inclusion within the policing profession. |
Journal | Gender, Work and Organization |
Journal citation | p. In press |
ISSN | 0968-6673 |
1468-0432 | |
Year | 2025 |
Publisher | Wiley |
Accepted author manuscript | License File Access Level Anyone |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Anyone |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.13260 |
Publication dates | |
Online | 18 Mar 2025 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 06 Mar 2025 |
Deposited | 07 Mar 2025 |
Copyright information | © 2025 The Authors |
https://repository.uel.ac.uk/item/8z22w
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Accepted author manuscript
Accepted Version - Adisa - tokenism and the Concrete Ceiling.pdf | ||
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Publisher's version
Gender Work Organization - 2025 - Adisa - Tokenism and the Concrete Ceiling Navigating Racial and Gender Disparities in.pdf | ||
License: CC BY 4.0 | ||
File access level: Anyone |
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