Rincón et al ‘Women and Leadership: Gender Barriers to Senior Management Positions’ (2017)

This is an overview of a contemporary piece of sociological research.

Brief summary of research methods:

• Information contained in the European Commission database, ‘Women and men in decision-making’ has been analysed. The database contains information on female presence in key positions in the largest publicly-listed European companies.
• A literature review was conducted to identify factors determining women in decision-making roles.

Key findings:

• Most barriers to senior management are related to gender stereotypes.
• The data reveals that during the last decade, there has been a significant improvement in the female presence in senior management positions in many European countries. However, in most European countries, women do not represent even a third of the senior management positions.
• Women receive fewer offers for managerial positions and are less likely to be prepared for these positions. The authors argue that, to an extent, this reflects stereotypical views on the role of women and whether women are able to carry out such responsibilities whilst taking care of their families.
• The equal opportunities policies introduced by some countries in the European Union have had a considerable impact.
• Stereotypical attitudes towards gender roles can result in a corporate culture which is less inclined towards the professional development of its female employees.

Link to specification:

Link to Families and Households:

• Sociologists have found that children of dual-earner couples tend to be exposed to positive role models who take on various responsibilities. The research did note that there is significant improvement in the female presence in senior management positions which could have an impact on childrearing practices as well as the experience of childhood.
• This research could link to the changing aspirations of women as it does demonstrate a substantial increase in women engaging in managerial and senior roles.

Link to Work, Poverty and Welfare:

• Reveals that stereotypical attitudes towards gender roles are still prevalent in European countries and women are primarily viewed in terms of their childbearing abilities and are less likely to receive leadership opportunities as a result.
• This research links to ‘the glass ceiling effect’ and how women are institutionally restricted from accessing employment opportunities and managerial roles.

Link to Education:

• Highlights that the gender equality policies do have a positive impact in raising female participation in managerial roles in the workplace.
• However, it can be argued that this research highlights clear room for improvement because although women are being encouraged to take up senior positions, they are not being prepared for these roles and the equal opportunities policies do not actually address the ingrained stereotypical views which still exist within organisations and companies.

Link to original article:

https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/549/54950452004.pdf