By Therese C. Walden, Hillary Snapp, Kari Morgenstein, and Laurel Gregory
This article is a part of the May/June 2018, Volume 30, Number 3, Audiology Today issue.
Gender increasingly is recognized as a determining factor in the ability to achieve success in the workplace. This is observed not only with compensation, but with professional advancement and leadership opportunities. Longstanding evidence exists detailing the considerable differences in pay between men and women. While it might seem as though women have made great advances in overcoming these disparities with rising visibility of “glass ceiling breakers” such as Sheryl Sandberg, Oprah Winfrey, and others, the truth is that little has changed for most women.
Pay inequities continue to exist across the spectrum. In almost every occupation and profession, women are paid less than their male counterparts, even those that are predominantly female (DOL, 2015). Likewise, women continue to lack equal representation in leadership roles, and do not have equal opportunities for professional advancement (Center for American Progress, 2014a).
Despite increased awareness and targeted efforts towards workplace equality, issues related to stereotypes, bias, and assigned or perceived gender roles persist. To eliminate the inequalities, we must reform the prevalent culture that quietly (and not so quietly) subverts efforts toward meaningful change. Beyond the pay gap, additional long overlooked issues surrounding gender equity and equality only recently have gained widespread attention in American society.
Equity Versus Equality
How do equity and equality differ, and how does this impact women in the workplace? Equity is providing everyone with the resources they need to be successful, while equality is treating everyone the same. It might seem as though treating everyone equally is a simple and effective solution. However, this approach does not take into account individual differences, needs, or the context in which the disparities exist.
FIGURE 1 (The Inclusion Solution, 2017) illustrates equality on the left: everyone trying to see over the fence gets the same box; clearly this doesn’t work well for two of the spectators. The image on the right illustrates equity by considering the specific needs of the individual spectators and address those needs with different resources. Achieving equity is dependent on the willingness to address differing needs to realize the best possible outcomes for each worker.
Gender equality then, isn’t about making women into men or vice versa, it’s about recognizing that equal access to opportunities and resources for success must be provided. Effective solutions toward equality is predicated on recognizing what resources are needed to achieve equity. This article will explore challenges and opportunities in audiology in the area of leadership and professional advancement. The goal of this article is to start a much-needed dialogue on challenges and opportunities in developing women into leaders in our profession and in society as a whole.
This content is an exclusive benefit for American Academy of Audiology members.
If you're a member, log in and you'll get immediate access.
Member Login
If you're not yet a member, you'll be interested to know that joining not only gives you access to top-notch resources like this one, but also invitations to member-only events, inclusion in the member directory, participation in professional forums, and access to patient resources, tools, and continuing education. Join today!