The group examined in this study was obtained from the Detroit Crack Ethnography Project. This project was conducted during 1988 and 1989. Data were obtained from responses to a structured questionnaire and taped, open-ended interviews. All the female crack dealers were African-Americans. Findings show that women were actively involved in distributing crack cocaine and other drugs, apparently working at many levels within distribution systems. As a group, they are young, relatively well-educated, likely to be employed, and have used various drugs, particularly alcohol and marijuana. The usual route by which they become involved in drug selling is through associations with males, although these associations may range widely, from casual and instrumental to intense and emotional. Women crack dealers encounter unique circumstances and problems related to their gender. A central problem is the potential for exploitation by males, either through manipulation by a "trusted" male or the possible predation by males who view women as weak and inappropriate in a "man's business" of selling cocaine. Women cocaine dealers have ambiguous and sometimes hostile feelings for men, reciprocating the ambivalence and hostility of males toward them. These male protectors may be lovers, relatives, friends, or business associates but their "protection" can be exploitive. 25 references