The new report claims that 100 years are needed to reach full gender equality in the work force
A new study has been done on the subject of gender inequality in corporate America. “Women in the Workplace” collected data from 118 companies nationwide and almost 30,000 employees. The survey analyzed promotional trends from big and small companies alike and determined that women are still far less likely than men to obtain leadership positions.
Even though 74% of surveyed firms claimed that gender diversity is their top priority, the new report determined that female employees are still considerably underrepresented on all levels of the corporate hierarchy. Despite these troublesome statistics, it is revealed that 88% of men still think their female counterparts in the work force have at least as many opportunities to advance professionally as they do.
The study makes a dire prediction that the time needed to fully reach gender equality in top management position is about 100 years. One contributing factor to the troublesome conclusion is the double-bind for women in choice between line roles and staff-support positions. Women of all ages without children have also identified stress and pressure as their primary concerns.
Companies now strive to provide flexible work schedules to allow for a better balance between work and professional, yet 90% of those surveyed of both genders still report fears of losing their positions if taking an extended leave from work. A common misconception persists against female employees however, that women are more likely than men to resign when their work-personal life balance becomes hectic.
The “Women in the Workplace” report acknowledges that improvements have been made over the years, especially in quotas which were previously reserved mostly for male employees. However, a dated, anachronistic mentality still presumably exists at top management level, with misconception and bias cited as the number one cause preventing women from being promoted to leadership roles.
Feminist group and activist for gender equality in the work force have, in recent years, campaigned extensively to deconstruct such bias thinking and re-educate the public on the matter. They argue that discrimination based on gender exists predominantly all across corporate America, not just for top leadership position.
Activists have also stated that, overall, women are still paid less than men for the same roles, claiming that a female employee, on average, makes 77 cents for every dollar earned by male counterparts. Anti-feminists and MRAs have dismissed such statements, claiming instead that the numbers need to be put into context, on an individual basis.
However, with such dire predictions from the new report, many are convinced discrimination still exists and cannot be so easily dismissed or swept under the rug anymore.
Photo Credits: Wikimedia
