Andrew on women and positions of authority
Good idea, Jessica! I'll follow suit, since it's still gross outside ... boo!
As our group's lone representative of the male population, I feel obliged to address the relationship between gender and leadership roles, a topic Amanda discussed thoroughly. Yes, it is unfair to think a woman couldn't do as good a job as a man in this business. I think it's a little ridiculous for any person -- male or female -- to suggest a man is inherently more adapt at handling office-related matters or leading a section in the direction management wishes.
People (notice I didn't specify gender) are shaped through their respective backgrounds, be it cultural or socioeconomic differences. In a perfect world, one's value as a professional, and more importantly, as an honorable human being, would dictate their rise up the corporate ladder. Past work would trump extraneous differences; character would tower over all.
However, as we are all aware, we don't live in a perfect world. By anyone's account, we experience/witness injustices daily. A select few are given 'breaks' in the workforce, while the rest of us scrounge to make ends meet. People are spoonfed opportunity; some have it easier than others. Gender discrimination is only a sample of the obstacles women may potentially face during their professional lives. But by no means is it the one and only. And by no means are they alone.
I found the quote below to be interesting. This comes from Kaylin's article, and it addresses a potential explanation for why women prefer to work for men:
Doesn't this happen anyway? Don't men treat 'boys' in the same manner? Aren't pups given the 'pay your dues' treatment by their editors or producers, no matter the gender of everyone involved?
I think it's faulty logic to assume women in management are more catty than men in the same position. Generally speaking, people who have risen that high are there for a reason. They're competitive, smart, driven, ambitious. They will do anything and everything to stay there. They will pull no punches.
This goes for both men and women. Perhaps, in the eyes of some, men fit the 'stereotype' of 'ruthless success' more appropriately. Is this a dangerous way of looking at things, especially for young female professionals? Perhaps. It is wrong? Not exactly, since everyone is entitled to their opinion.
This quote, also from Kaylins' article, echoes the point above:
Therefore, most likely, we will all experience some sort of injustice. Women may experience more obstacles along the path to success, but young male professionals will, also. This is how development works. This is how a business functions. Things won't change anytime soon.
As our group's lone representative of the male population, I feel obliged to address the relationship between gender and leadership roles, a topic Amanda discussed thoroughly. Yes, it is unfair to think a woman couldn't do as good a job as a man in this business. I think it's a little ridiculous for any person -- male or female -- to suggest a man is inherently more adapt at handling office-related matters or leading a section in the direction management wishes.
People (notice I didn't specify gender) are shaped through their respective backgrounds, be it cultural or socioeconomic differences. In a perfect world, one's value as a professional, and more importantly, as an honorable human being, would dictate their rise up the corporate ladder. Past work would trump extraneous differences; character would tower over all.
However, as we are all aware, we don't live in a perfect world. By anyone's account, we experience/witness injustices daily. A select few are given 'breaks' in the workforce, while the rest of us scrounge to make ends meet. People are spoonfed opportunity; some have it easier than others. Gender discrimination is only a sample of the obstacles women may potentially face during their professional lives. But by no means is it the one and only. And by no means are they alone.
I found the quote below to be interesting. This comes from Kaylin's article, and it addresses a potential explanation for why women prefer to work for men:
But perhaps older women are less than kind to young women with ambition, a backbone and (heaven forbid) good looks. Maybe they resent young whippersnappers who don't want to pay their dues in the same way that older women had to.
Doesn't this happen anyway? Don't men treat 'boys' in the same manner? Aren't pups given the 'pay your dues' treatment by their editors or producers, no matter the gender of everyone involved?
I think it's faulty logic to assume women in management are more catty than men in the same position. Generally speaking, people who have risen that high are there for a reason. They're competitive, smart, driven, ambitious. They will do anything and everything to stay there. They will pull no punches.
This goes for both men and women. Perhaps, in the eyes of some, men fit the 'stereotype' of 'ruthless success' more appropriately. Is this a dangerous way of looking at things, especially for young female professionals? Perhaps. It is wrong? Not exactly, since everyone is entitled to their opinion.
This quote, also from Kaylins' article, echoes the point above:
The traits that people associate with leadership tend to be stereotypically masculine ones like toughness and decisiveness. Women, on the other hand, are expected to be gentle, kind and deferential.
Therefore, most likely, we will all experience some sort of injustice. Women may experience more obstacles along the path to success, but young male professionals will, also. This is how development works. This is how a business functions. Things won't change anytime soon.
posted by Andrew Astleford at
3:08 PM
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