Adolescents’ perceptions of police: Acknowledging racial and gender bias

Abstract

This study explores the importance of gender norms and racial dynamics in understanding interactions with the police. Drawing from in-depth interviews with 9 Brazilian adolescents aged 16 years old, we analyze how gender expectations influence female adolescents’ negative perceptions of the police, despite their limited experience with this institution. Our findings reveal a complex interplay between idealized perceptions of the police and the realities of police conduct, often characterized by violence, racism, and sexism. The study shows that vicarious experiences are also teachable moments since adolescents acknowledge the difference in treatment offered by police in encounters with racialized youth. The findings have implications for policymakers aiming to foster more equitable and just police- community relations.