Williams - “The Glass Escalator: Hidden Advantages for Men in the ‘Female’ Professions.” Flashcards
Is there a preference for hiring men in female dominated professions?
there is a preference for hiring men in these four occupations (nursing, librarian, social work, and teacher)
How did men in female dominated jobs view their tokenism?
As an advantage in hiring and promotions
the more female-dominated the specialty, the greater the apparent preference
What are some exceptions to male tokenism privilege?
- Male teachers not allowed to do kindergarten in Texas
- Men excluded from gynecology
- Or men are pushed into more administrative jobs “tracking”
How do women experience the opposite of tracking?
“glass ceiling”
While men have a “glass escalator.”
Often, despite their intentions, they face invisible pressures to move up in their professions.
Why do some men enter higher positions?
Feel is it expected of them to chase higher career because of their sex
What hierarchical difference makes it different for male vs female tokens?
In female dominated jobs, men are supervised by other men (might be closer to supervisors)
In male dominated jobs, women are supervised by men (power imbalance here)
Explain bonding over positive experience vs negative experience:
Men bond with other men in their jobs because their gender is a positive difference in female dominated jobs
Women bond with each other because their gender is a negative difference
Did having female bosses change the acceptance men felt in female dominated jobs?
d female bosses also reported high levels of intimacy with women seemed lower then with men (like chatting / hanging out)
What did women have to say about their male collegues?
Women I interviewed claimed to be supportive of their male colleagues but some showed ambivalence.
Explain the contradictory nature that women have towards male collegues:
women are generally eager to see men enter “their” occupations
BUT
at the same time, women see men advance within these professions, sensing they receive preferential treatment which closes off advancement opportunities for women
How do women treat male collegues:
- Assign them “male stereotyped” tasks (strong, looking out for kid with father issues, discipline kids)
- Give them more control
Are men accepted by women colleagues?
Yes, often getting baby shower invites, Tupperware parties etc
Minority men = least comfortable in these informal environments (reluctantly invited)
What is a point of issue for male teachers (or other female jobs)?
Often assumed to be gay, pedophile, feminine, etc
How does the “outside world” perceive men in these jobs?
That it is a step down in status
Female dominated jobs have less weight (ex. physician vs nurse)
