7 Myths About Women and Work

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY MAR 4, 2013

Australian journalist Fox investigates common misconceptions and biases that prevent women from reaching high level employment. She begins with the insidious myth that workplaces are meritocracies with an "even playing field" and those with top jobs are "simply better equipped." In reality, studies show that women are paid less than men, are underrepresented in accelerated development programs, and blatantly discriminated against at all levels. Fox questions the belief that women lack ambition and have a "natural inclination to focus on their family," noting that women internalize these sexist messages and equate ambition with selfishness and lack of femininity. High profile women are attacked by the media as either too cold or too emotional. Meanwhile, working mothers are responsible for child-rearing and most housework in 70% of households, resulting in underemployment for many highly skilled, well-educated women. Fox deconstructs the fraudulent "pipeline myth," which asserts that as more women graduate with higher degrees the imbalance in upper level jobs will correct itself, and also presents "Case Studies" featuring businesses working on solutions to the gender gap. This book is a terrific resource for those who seek real solutions to diversity problems or even a better understanding of the often subtle psychology of discrimination.