Sexism in the Workforce

Using the space below, brainstorm a list of what comes to mind when you think of the term “woman,” “girl” or other terms describing a female (e.g. mother, kind, long-hair). Do not censor yourself. Next, create a list of terms that come to mind when you think of “man,” “boy” or other terms describing a male (e.g. father, sports player, strong). Consider the similarities and differences in your list.

Suppose that the assumptions about females are “feminine” traits that those who are females are perceived to possess, and that those about males are “masculine” traits that those who are male are perceived to possess.

Next, brainstorm the characteristics of a gender-neutral “leader” (for example, confident, good communicator, fair, etc):

Finally, divide the characteristics you came up with for a leader and designate them either “masculine” or “feminine,” using your initial brainstormed list as a guide.

1. How many of the characteristics that you came up with for your gender-neutral leader are masculine?

2. How many are feminine?

3. What does this tell you about our perceptions of who can fit the role of a leader?

Reflect on your findings and the implications in which unconscious biases may affect the hiring, promotion and management process for people of both genders (e.g. opportunities given, training received, assumptions made about time availability,etc). You will use these notes in your Discussion Post this week.