There are some jobs were gender does make a difference, and being a bouncer is one of them. Now I’m not saying that females cannot be bouncers or that they don’t do a good job, just that their gender makes a difference in the job.
From working in clubs and pubs, I have worked with both female and male bouncers and I am commenting on the differences that I have noticed. Firstly, I think that female bouncers are treated with more respect than their male counterparts. When a female bouncer makes a suggestion (or kicks a group or individual out), it seems to be taken better than if a male did it. I think it boils down to the fact that a drunken patron might try to either flirt or fight a male bouncer if they were not happy with the decision that they made were as it is as though they believe that the female bouncer is “looking out” for them. From what I have witnessed, there is less aggression towards female bouncers than at male bouncers.
What I have not witnessed is a night where the security company have sent out only female bouncers, and I have to wonder if that is by design. There are certain physical aspects to the job that require brute strength. I am not saying that a female bouncer could not handle herself, there were several fights that I have broken up myself, but up against a large male who could be drunk or on drugs is more likely to be harder for a female bouncer to handle. Also for the venue’s point of view, I don’t think I would be comfortable with her addressing the issue. There is a level of duty of care that the venue must provide the bouncers with, and if that situation arose, I would feel more comfortable calling the police to deal with it.
In saying that, I would probably call the police if it were a male bouncer and they appeared to be having trouble with the patron. The main difference is that I would be more likely to let the male bouncers try at first, whereas I probably wouldn’t let the female. It’s not that I’m sexist or don’t believe that women can take care of themselves, it’s just alcohol (and drugs) make it difficult to predict what could happen, it can turn violent quickly. From my observations, a male bouncer can defuse/handle a violent situation more capable than a female. Unless of course that bouncer is Rhonda Rousey, then bring it on!
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