Work

“Even as a Probation Officer, We’re all Very Much Aware That We’re Black First:” An Intersectional Examination of How Probation Officers Experience System Legitimacy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study focuses on how 27 frontline and supervisory probation officers (71% women, 67% Black) view the criminal legal system (CLS), utilizing intersectionality as an analytical framework. We present two themes: probation as ‘minor,’ and the CLS is a manifestation of societal racial oppression. Within each theme we detail sub-themes and highlight where we noted differences for probation officers across the intersections of race/gender/and institutional position. Findings indicate Black women, in particular, recognize the harm of the omnipresence of probation and exercise care with clients. Our findings puncture the illusion that workforce diversification alone is enough to achieve system legitimacy.

Source: Feminist Criminology

DOI: 10.1177/15570851251330916

Authors: Sukhmani Singh, Alexandra Cox, McKenzie Berezin, Andrew Nalani

Institutions: University of Connecticut, University of Reading, New York University, Vanderbilt University

Language: English

Topic: Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Gender equality

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4408960319