Why are women still taken less seriously than men? | Mary Ann Sieghart
Mar 8, 2024
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Author Mary Ann Seigart discusses the 'authority gap' where women are taken less seriously than men at work. She explores challenges women face in being recognized and respected, and advocates for closing the gap to promote equality and improve overall well-being.
Men are quoted 3 times more in news stories, contributing to an 'authority gap' favoring them in competence and authority perceptions.
Gender biases impact credibility in professional settings, with women facing interruptions and challenges while men receive more initial credibility.
Deep dives
The Authority Gap in Media Representation
Men are disproportionately represented in media, being quoted 3 times more in news stories and appearing as protagonists in movies twice as often as women. This disparity contributes to an 'authority gap' where men are automatically assumed to be more competent and authoritative. Research indicates that men tend to have six times more influence in group discussions compared to women, highlighting a systemic bias in how authority is perceived and attributed.
Impact of Gender on Professional Perception
Gender biases influence how individuals are perceived in professional settings, affecting their credibility and authority. Women face challenges like being interrupted, challenged, or overlooked in discussions, while men are provided more initial credibility. Instances like female justices being interrupted more frequently than male counterparts underscore the prevalent gender disparities in authority and recognition.
Promoting Gender Equality for Collective Benefit
Closing the authority gap requires collective efforts to combat gender biases and promote equality. Initiatives such as increasing female representation in media and ensuring merit-based hiring and promotion practices in workplaces play crucial roles. Gender equality not only benefits women's well-being and professional growth but also enhances overall societal happiness and productivity, leading to a more inclusive and thriving environment for all individuals.
Women are routinely underestimated, overlooked, interrupted, talked over or mistaken for someone more junior at the workplace. Author Mary Ann Sieghart calls this the "authority gap" — all the ways women are (still) taken less seriously than men, despite proven competence and expertise. She explains how we can close this pernicious gap and why everyone wins when we do so.