Beyond stereotypes: the meaning of work for women in the Military Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this article is to understand the importance and the meanings of work for women working in the Military Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 female police officers, and their testimonies were subjected to content analysis. The results indicate that work has a high centrality in their lives, despite the difficulties faced - both those inherent to the police activity and those arising from working in a male-dominated occupation. Remuneration stands out as a valued result of the work, which ensures some comfort and financial independence. The prestige that this occupation confers to the participants is also important, in addition to the pleasure and sense of purpose for carrying out a job perceived as socially relevant. The study contributes to the literature on the meaning of work by bringing the perspective of a group of women working in a male-stereotyped profession. In that regard, it is worth highlighting that the obstacles faced by the police officers who work in this stereotyped career seem not to prevent the positive meanings associated with their work.