Gender Discrimination In the Workplace

Gender stereotypes has constantly been an issue even beyond the work environment. Years ago it used to be difficult for men and women to work together without judgment pinned on the women. Over the years, this stereotype has toned down as women have been able to prove themselves of being capable to do the work just as well as men or even better. However, that does not stop some employees from still thinking through that mindset of stereotyping and misjudging one another.

The common stereotype that we all know of, "women belong at home should, while only men should work to provide"(Scott, 2016). Stereotypes such as these often lead to discrimination within the workplace. Discriminatory thoughts may not be said out loud, but they are definitely running through some minds. Even to the extent of our actions or body language portraying the discrimination whether it is intentional or not.

Or there can be stereotypes where some women who are leaders in the workplace tend to have a masculine side to them, when they are working hard or making tough decisons. Thus, the thought comes to mind "why does someone have to be labeled masculine if they are simply leading a team?"

There are also cases where men fear women who are empowering and demanding, this is due to the idea of men believing women should be nurturing people behind the desk.

However, it is also bias to think that only women are targeted with discrimination. Men are discriminated just as much as they are expected to be the tough leading role in the workplace. There are also cases where men are labeled as lazy, expecting women to do all the work. There biases and stereotypes can fall either way.

In many workplaces, even to this day, men are perceived as all high and mighty when promoted a higher position, such as a supervisor. When men are not working hard enough, they are not pressurized to work harder, compared to women. Whereas, the moment a woman is granted a promotion of a higher position, such as a supervisor, they are either considered "bossy", not taken seriously, or don't know how to do the job well done, according to how they are perceived by male employees below her.

Some cases, women are not even given promotions, due to discriminatory boss, rewarding the male employee, instead of the female. Even when the woman has proven to be more qualified for the promotion in comparison to the male.

The Following video explains why and how these gender stereotypes began and grew over time.

Overall, these stereotypes and biases can really effect all genders from accomplishing success in their work life. Discriminating based on these assumptions can really discourage employees from working to the best of their ability and can even bring down their self-esteem.

Here's something to think about, "why make it hard for genders to work in the same environment, when we are all working to accomplish similar goals as a team?"

A Discussion on Gender Stereotypes in the Workplace. (2014, February 12).

Retrieved March 05, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch

?v=Xp867jDCSUQ

Scott, S. (2016). Gender Differences Within the Workplace. Retrieved March

05, 2016, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/gender-difference

s-within-workplace-10512.html

Why do we have gender stereotypes. (2013, November 10). Retrieved March

05, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujGqiZIarAY

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