Workplace Discrimination

During World War II, many men from different countries were required to leave their regular jobs and go fight. At this time, many factories and offices counted on women. Women were to fill-in for these men in order to maintain output levels for the employers. Maybe this can be considered the beginning of the women’s liberation movement as women had a new feeling of power—they were able to do work and they became economically independent.

Since that time women have tried to achieve equal status to men in many different parts of life, especially at the workplace. Although there are many success stories, such as Carla Fiona being the head honcho of Hewlett-Packard or Margaret Thatcher being the Prime Minister of England, a lot of women still complain about a glass-ceiling. Yes, higher rates of women work than in past decades. However, some say that the level of their positions still remain quite low. The men are the ones who receive the promotions and higher pay at the executive level.

In addition, in some cultures once a woman gets married she sometimes feels as if the other staff members are giving her the cold shoulder. They want to influence her to leave the company. This is because once she gets married she might put her husband and family before her work, which would make her less productive. Or, it could be a way for companies to avoid paying maternity leave if she became pregnant after marriage.

Another issue at work involves ‘reverse discrimination.’ Some people complain that job positions or promotions are not always based on who is the best qualified candidate. Rather, it is decided by the person’s gender or ethnic background. It might create more equal opportunity for minorities and increase the image of the company, but it leaves some individuals out in the cold.

Vocabulary:

Output level
quantity of final items produced

Women’s liberation movement
Movement seeking equal rights for women

Glass-ceiling
invisible barrier blocking a person’s promotion to management because of the person’s gender and race.

Maternity leave
paid time a woman takes off of work for the birth of a baby.

Reverse discrimination
discrimination (unfair treatment) of members of a majority group

Candidate
person trying to be chosen for a position

Ethnic
people’s background, like race or religion

Minorities
a small part of the population that is different (eg. Due to their race)

Expressions:

Counted on: depended on, relied on, expected

Fill-in: substitute

Head honcho: boss, especially in a high position

Cold shoulder: style of not being nice and friendly intentionally

Out in the cold: left out, not being part of benefits given to others

Discussion Points:

1. Do you think that men and women are treated equally at work? For example, do men and women receive the same amount of pay at your place of employment?
2. Do you think that men and women want full or selective equality? For instance, do women just want equality in management positions, or do they also want equality in other jobs like as a soldier or construction worker?
3. Is there a public relations advantage or disadvantage to having ethnic minorities represent the companies in various positions?
4. Is it true that some job positions are better suited for men (miners, firefighters), while others are better for women (nurses, teachers)?

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