Abstract: There are unequal privileges shared by men and women in the United States workforce. Throughout history human civilization have seen a revolution in the role of women up until modern society, where it is perceived as equal. However, although it might be invisible, an inequality gap still exists and acts as a glass ceiling for women.
This research paper will be focusing primarily on the sociological and psychological factors that contribute to this difference in privilege. Different forms of research were conducted in order to thoroughly present credible results in support of the proposed hypothesis; these research materials will include quantitative and qualitative resources with extensive secondary data analysis.
Hypothesis:
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An interesting research paper produced by sociologists Torres and Matt Hoffman from the University of California Irvine blames the presence of the glass ceiling on networking capabilities, rather than gender. According to the Hoffman’s males and females generally network with each other; the scientific name for this phenomenon is called Homophily. The age old phrase “birds of a feather flock together” can best be used to describe the situation. The study also includes the fact that women recognize this phenomenon and try harder than their male counterparts to overcome it (again re-affirming the recognition and existence of the glass ceiling). According to the theory of social networking, since men have the majority share of holding senior management positions, it is easier for men to advance and get promoted throughout their careers. The study concludes with a strategy to overcome the gender bias, if women were to increase their influence over the male dominated social networks, then they themselves must aim for higher positions as well as adding more high status males into their professional networks. This in turn would definitely decrease the glass ceiling …show more content…
Although modern day industry workforces seem to depict otherwise, women do not share the same privileges as men do in the United States workforce and indeed encounter a glass ceiling where their potential is limited. The glass ceiling is not only recognized but is also anticipated, indicating the degree to which it exists in modern times. In my opinion, the deficit in privilege is not only limited to professional occupations but can also be generalized into other factors such as judiciary and political where gender can be used as a differentiation tool (along with race and