Gender Bias: The Games People Play
Gender bias typically stems not from malevolence, but from the perceived mismatch between the "typical woman" and the requirements of jobs that historically were held by men such as professor, scientist, and investment banker. In fact, many of the historically male dominated jobs are still held predominantly by men. For example, tenure-track jobs at research institutions still are 70-80% male.
Gender bias takes many forms, some obvious and others subtle. Here are some common examples of more subtle forms of bias:
- Objective rules applied rigidly to women but leniently to men
- The persistent assumption that a mother is home with her children when she is at a committee meeting, presenting at a conference, or home writing her book
- An atmosphere where women are accepted only if they cater to the comfort levels of men who expect them to play traditionally feminine roles
Watch Joan describe the four most common patterns of gender bias.
Department chairs find themselves unable to compete for the best candidates when unwitting remarks by a committee member signal a chilly climate to one candidate after another.
Gender bias also impedes departments' ability to retain top talent, which, in turn, costs money: costs add up fast when the average start-up package for a scientist ranges from $300,000 to $500,000.
Learn to Identify Gender Bias Patterns
Learn about the four most common gender bias patterns.
Why You Should Understand Gender Bias
Watch gender bias experts discuss the importance of recognizing and understanding gender bias.
Teaching and Training Gender Bias
Learn about ways to teach gender bias in a meeting, classroom or training session.
Why Colleges and Universities Need to Care About Gender Bias
Watch experts discuss the importance of addressing gender bias on the institutional level.
Please visit the Center for WorkLife Law website to learn more about the Economics of Retaining Talented Women Faculty as a Business Necessity in the Current Economic Environment.