Kvinnor, brott, övervakning

Sammanfattning: The study is mainly an empirical survey of women on probation. The main purpose is to describe and understand the dynamics of probation.The data collection comprises interviews with twenty seven female clients, and twenty two supervisors. Furthermore, information has been gathered from 157 personal record of female clients and part of a questionnaire answered by 225 probation officers from all probation districts in Sweden. The data from the interviews and personal records have been collected at three probation districts in Stockholm. In line with the research approach the analysis of data has been qualitative.Part 1 of the study comprises the background, problems and life history of the female clients. With three exceptions, all twenty seven clients from the interview study were drog abusers. Another common trace was that experiences in their early years had brought about distrust, denial of weakness together with a wish to manage on their own. Socialization with men in the subculture meant that the women developed in the same direction. Nearly half of them considered themselves self-sufficient and independent Changed gender roles and negative experiences of being dependent were one reason for them to choose a criminal life style as their main source of income. Other reasons were dissociation from prostitution or being provided for by a man. In the discussion I relate the experiences of the female clients to the experiences of professional women when acting in a male arena. Furthermore, the gains and losses connected with independence are discussed.Part two of the study comprises the relationship between the female client and the probation officer. The results show that, because of drog problems, social degeneration and destructive relations with men and a frequent use of defensive techniques by the client, the probation officers consider the female clients as "hard work". The relationship between clients and supervisors is interpreted in two perspectives. The first is the background and life history of the clients and the second is the framework that constitutes probation. The purpose of this interpretation is to create an understanding of the relationship between the client and the probation officer.