The Impact of Gender on Social Support for Criminal Justice Careers

This qualitative study investigates how social support impacts students’ decisions about majoring in criminal justice and/or pursuing careers in the field. Thirty students were interviewed regarding their perspectives and sources of social support. Six primary themes emerged from interviews: support for higher education, hesitant support for criminal justice, parental support, support from friends/associates, perceptions of public support, and gender and social support. While students who pursue criminal justice careers do not perceive full support for their aspirations, support can vary by gender, with women encountering additional barriers to support. Still, students are undeterred from the field of criminal justice and remain hopeful about their professional futures. Criminal justice programs can use these findings to identify opportunities to better advise women in their programs. The findings are also useful for potential employers in the criminal justice system to recognize how to effectively recruit more women into positions dominated by men.