Hey! I Should Be Able To Do That Job Too: Gender Discrimination in The Work Place

Equal pay for equal work, fair and equal opportunities, and overall equality in the workplace, they do not seem like hard requests to fulfill, but throughout the years, women have been denied these requests. Now that women have begun to move ahead, equality has taken a giant leap backwards and not just for women. Gender discrimination has been a huge problem and still is. Now men are being denied jobs in female-dominated fields just as women had and still are in male-dominated fields. As I look further into this issue, I will refer to an interview I conducted with Terasa Robinson, an advocate at the Noah Project, the local domestic violence shelter. Gender discrimination in the workplace is a problem that continues to suppress men’s and women’s desires to move into specific gender dominated fields even if they are highly qualified for a position in a specific field.

Men in the Workplace

Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s a man’s world”? In today’s society, we can no longer claim that the world belongs to a man. Men are now beginning to see how unfair the workplace can truly be. The struggles men go through trying to break into female-dominated fields are less heard of even though it is happening more today than ever before. Industries such as nursing are encouraging men to join; and if the men feel comfortable and equal to other employees, it would make the transition easier, but some are still facing discrimination because of their gender. Terasa Robinson stated, “Stereotyping is setting men back from going into nursing and other female-dominated fields. In the nursing field, doctors are more likely to choose a female nurse.” Bruce Wheatley, an obstetrical nurse, stated that, “[employers] would say a female patient has the right to refuse a male nurse. How would you like to be told a white patient can refuse a black nurse? It’s offensive” (qtd. in Armour, par. 18). Knowing that employers allow others to discriminate against their employees, it is not surprising to know that the employers also discriminate against their own employees. Leo-Felix Juardo explained that as a male nurse, it would be typical to hear things such as, “He really doesn’t belong here. I’ll find an alternative assignment for him,” when assigned to women’s health (qtd. in Williams, par. 25).

As men begin to turn to female-dominated fields, people’s concerns come out. “…[M]en who work in child care might be viewed as molesters or criminals; those in health care, especially in areas such as maternity or gynecology, might be seen as voyeurs” (Armour, par. 29). Honestly how many people would hire a male nanny? According to Stephanie Armour, “fifty-eight percent of families would not consider hiring a man to provide in-home care for their children” (par. 20). Female nannies are more likely to find a job within five to ten interviews, while it may take a male dozens before even being considered (par. 20). Some people do not realize that hospitals and daycares run extensive background checks on all applicants; Jerry Lucas, a nurse supervisor, stated, “[as male nurses] we have to explain what we [are] doing, but if I [were] a doctor, there would be no questions asked. The perception that we are all… sex-crazed maniacs hurts recruiting…” (qtd. in Armour, par. 34). Not only does this perception harm recruiting, it harms the images of the men who are doing their jobs well. Society’s pressure and expectations about the role of men in the [“pink collar”] work world might mean that a man is ridiculed by society for his choice to do “women’s work,” causing him to bring that extra stress home… [and] are 47 percent more likely to lash out in violence. (Armour, par. 21) They are also more likely to leave their jobs in traditionally female fields, even if they have the passion and desire. Being the brunt of jokes for their choices in the careers they choose can further discourage men from considering female-dominated jobs at all. With a nursing shortage, Debra Williams states that the nursing industry is” [trying to] persuade more males to consider nursing as a viable-and masculine-career” (par. 6).

Women in the Workplace

In 1971, the Supreme Court said state laws were to be changed; men were no longer allowed to be preferred over women (“Civil Rights” 158). Men took this personally “… [contending] that they are being denied equality when their seniority rights are threatened by a program requiring… women to be promoted” (157). All the Supreme Court was doing was trying to create equality for all in the workplace. For the longest time, women were just supposed to be housewives. To stay at home, cooking and cleaning, taking care of the children, grocery shopping, and making sure that her husband was satisfied, those were her responsibilities. A woman having a job was unheard of and looked down upon. Now, if you look at today’s society, you will see that many more women are working and it is very hard to find a housewife. Terasa stated, “The time where women were happy homemakers is extinct. [Women are] finally advancing in male-dominated fields. We [even] have a woman running for President.” But how far have women advanced if the only way to be taken seriously is to be “cold, hard, and professional…” as Terasa phrased? Women who work in traditionally male fields may be seen as “unsociable and difficult to work with” (Women Who Succeed, par. 1). Madeline Heilman, a professor of psychology at NYU, said “Success is OK for a woman if it’s in an area that is not [seen as] off limits to them. What we are seeing is a reaction to their violation of stereotyped norms” (qtd. in Women Who Succeed, par. 3).

Women participating in combat roles for the military is also another example of gender discrimination coming straight from our government. Even though the Army “[said] that no job [would] be closed to women just because it is dangerous…,” they did not follow through (Willens, par. 5). In 1994, the Army had “[failed] to open direct offensive ground combat jobs to women” (par. 5). “Without a doubt, there is a much greater probability for acts of sexual molestation and rape with addition of women to the front lines” (par. 6). The concerns for women being on the front lines of combat are understandable but if women are aware of the risks they face, and are willing to take them no matter what, and are physically able to do the job, then they should be allowed to participate. Another reason some people believe women should not be allowed to do combat positions is pregnancy. “Although pregnancy is a major concern of many, statistics show it has little bearing on military readiness” (par. 10). Most women in the military that I know are on some form of birth control when home and do not plan to get off it until after the war is done. I recall one woman saying, “My country needs me right now and I will be prepared. A family can wait until it is safer for them.”

From the armed services to the White House, women are being told they do not belong. Yet, Hillary Rodham Clinton is running for the 2008 Presidential election. I overheard two male college students talking about Hillary’s decision. One said, “This has got to be the biggest joke in history, a woman running for President.” The other laughed and said, “Who gave her the right to think she can do a MAN’S job?” Laughter between the two broke out. According to an article called “Ready for a Woman President?” a poll asked “Would you vote for a women for president if she were qualified?” Ninety-two percent of all who voted said yes and only five percent said no (chart 1). Fifty five percent of people believe America is ready for a female president (chart 2). I understand that the United States is used to a male being president. Times have changed though, and we should change as well. Instead of discouraging people who want to break out of the “norm”, we should encourage them. Upon hearing this conversation, it was no surprise why women are still struggling to advance, with men who have their mind set not allowing a woman to prove her abilities. How are we supposed to promote equality?

Creating Equality

“I have to believe that gender equality will one day be obtainable,” Terasa began. “At work, I teach my clients that they deserve the same respect as everyone else. I tell them to NOT accept anything less than what they are worth.” But how do we begin? First of all, on applications, employers should have the applicant only put there last name and initials of their first and middle names so they do not know the sex of the applicant. This makes it fair to everyone. If they have an impressive résumé and are capable of physically and mentally doing the work, they would get the job, no matter what gender they are.

Some companies have created their own policies for promoting gender equality. These companies are ahead of many others. Many have set action plans with reward programs for all of those who follow through with the plans. Some also provide extra training to those who need the jobs, but do not have the experience required. They may even provide on-site child care for single parents, usually mothers, who cannot afford day care or find a babysitter. The employers also keep a close eye on all employees to make sure that all is fair.

Terasa suggested that,
[The government] set up a reward system for small businesses that hire and pay equally. [They should] also encourage judges and juries to give higher settlements to those who were discriminated against; [they should] also set up more grants and scholarships to [those who are trying to break into opposite gender dominated fields].
Getting the government involved helps. With the Presidential Election coming up in 2008, we can pick someone who is willing to help us get out of this rut. If we pick the correct person, perhaps we can get the laws changed and some new ideas set into motion.

Another way to help create equality in the workplace is to make sure all employees with the same experience receive the same pay. “… [W]omen only earn seventy seven cents for every dollar that men make…” (Herzog, par. 2). Some people blame the lack of equal pay on the fact that women lack experience and need more flexible hours more than men for raising families. There are more single mothers in today’s society than there are single fathers. According to Terasa,
Single fathers are more likely to stay above the poverty line because there are more [better] paying jobs available to men than there are for women… Men with a high school education or less can make a decent living doing construction, but women with the same education ends up [waiting on tables], cooking or doing home health care and struggle to make ends meet.

Another way to end gender discrimination in the workplace is to teach gender equality to all in school. This should begin in the elementary schools. We all know that in kindergarten we immediately learn “Boys should never hit girls,” but the rule should have been “Do not hit anyone.” The schools are teaching us different rules just because of our genders. This is a form of gender discrimination we hold on to because we were taught this at such a young age. Boys and girls should have the same rules, should be pressured to take the same classes, and have the same opportunities open to them. If a girl is told she should take Home Economics, a boy should be too. If a boy is told to take Chemistry, a girl should be told to as well. It is a matter of teaching children that they are equal before we can end gender discrimination. Once the children believe they are equal, they will remember that lesson throughout their life and practice it.

As men and women try to break into the opposite gender dominated fields, they will struggle proving that they belong. Terasa said, “Breaking out of this oppression can take decades to centuries; it won’t happen overnight.” All we, as a society, can do is fight for what we believe in and find those who can help us reach our goals and desires. I want to be able to earn the respect of my colleagues in the career of my choice. I want my children and grandchildren to have all opportunities open to them, that even I may not have open to me at this moment in time. I believe this could be possible, if we all work together. People will have to have open minds and realize that just because we are used to things one way does not mean it has to stay that way.

Maybe one day, the United States will have equality in the workplace and we can get rid of the “male-dominated” and “female-dominated” labels. The stereotypes that men in nursing are gay or sex-crazed and women in any male-dominated fields are cold and hard to work with will no longer exist. If we continue to work together, we can end gender discrimination otherwise, all we will have is what we have today but far worse. If we do not work on creating equality now, people will find more things to separate them from each other, other than gender, race, sexual orientation, and religion. We must create equality to ensure that the United States is everything it promised. The Declaration of Independence states, “All men are created equal.” We need to create equality for one, equality for all, and maybe one day equality will not be just a dream, it could be a reality.

Works Cited

Armour, Stephanie . "More Men Train to be Nurses, Midwives, Secretaries." USA TODAY. 10 July 2003. 17 Nov. 2007 .

“Civil Rights.” Reader’s Digest Family Legal Guide: A Complete Encyclopedia of Law for the Layman. Ed. Inge N.
Dobelis. New York: West Publishing Company, 1981. 157-158.

Herzog, Ashley. “Evidence Punches Holes in Gender Pay Gap Theory.” The Post. 7 May 2007. 19 Nov. 2007. .

“Ready For A Woman President?.” CBS NEWS. 5 Feb. 2006. 19 Nov. 2007. .

Robinson, Terasa M. Personal Interview. Nov. 2007.

Willens, Jake. “Women in the Military: Combat Roles Considered.” 7 Aug. 1996. 6 Nov. 2007. .

Williams, Debra. “Looking for a Few Good Men.” 3 March 2002. 6 Nov. 2007. .

“Women who Succeed in Male-dominated Careers are Often Seen Negatively, suggests study.” American Psychological Association. Aug. 2004. 15 Nov. 2007. .