The Glass Ceiling Phenomenon

The Glass Ceiling Phenomenon

‘The Glass Ceiling’ is a barrier to prevent women rising to the

highest positions in an organization as a result of informal

exclusionary practices (cited in Giddens 2002, pg, 552). These

practices include sexual harassment, sexual discrimination and

pregnancy discrimination.

Explanations for the ‘glass ceiling’ phenomena derive from the

stereotype of women into traditional roles. Many men still carry the

attitude despite living in this modern day and age that women are not

capable of higher managerial roles and that their place rightfully

belongs at home along with the house-hold chores. There is also the

point that many corporate firms think twice before employing women for

the top position, in terms of their level of commitment, for it is

inevitable that every woman will want to have a child at some point in

their life. However maternity leave is viewed upon as an expense in

terms of money and the valuable time that is wasted in order to fill

the vacant position.

The organisational structure is another barrier that women have to

contend with for it is evident that most firms are male dominated and

huddle together when it comes to after work social activities, thus

leaving the woman to feel as an out cast.

An article published in The Guardian 25/09/2002 backs ‘The Glass

Ceiling’ phenomena as it shows that women are still not making it to

the top of their professions, despite thirty years of equal

opportunities policies in the public and voluntary sectors. While

there may be some women higher up in management it can be argued that

these are just ‘token’ positions so that the corporate management

cannot be accused of discrimination. Those few who are successful in

making it are then dealt the blow of being paid substantially less