Sh*t Sandwiches vs. Value of Care: How Our Work Culture Works (or Doesn’t)
As the summer holiday season approaches, we're zooming out a bit and considering an important topic that impacts our daily lives, work environments, and society at large: the influence of the patriarchal system on our work environment. In this article, we highlight some of the woes created and upheld by a patriarchal system at work and offer some engaging content for you to enjoy. Read on to hear our thoughts and dive into our favorite episodes of "Rerouting: Navigating Patriarchy," a podcast that sheds light on the negative impacts of patriarchy and promotes cultural change.
THE OUTCOMES OF PATRIARCHY IN WORK CULTURE
1. Gender Inequality and the Glass Ceiling
The patriarchal system perpetuates gender inequality in the workplace. Women often face barriers preventing them from reaching top leadership positions, known as the "glass ceiling." Despite equal or superior qualifications, women remain underrepresented in executive roles and boardrooms, representing roughly 25% of these roles, dropping to less than 5% in the CEO role. This disparity is not just a moral issue but a business one; diverse leadership teams drive better financial performance and innovation.
2. Wage Disparities
Patriarchy manifests in wage disparities between men and women. On average, women earn less than their male counterparts for the same work, with the gap widening for women of color. This wage gap stems from various factors, including discrimination, occupational segregation, and undervaluing work traditionally performed by women. Addressing these disparities requires transparency in pay scales, robust anti-discrimination policies, and efforts to promote salary negotiations and equity. Additionally, the lack of sufficient child care must be addressed to close this gap.
3. Harassment
A patriarchal workplace culture fosters environments where harassment and discrimination can thrive. Power imbalances lead to abuses of authority, with women and marginalized groups more likely to be targets of harassment. Creating a safe and inclusive workplace necessitates stringent anti-harassment policies, comprehensive training, and a culture of accountability and support.
4. Unconscious Bias and Hiring Practices
Patriarchal norms influence hiring practices and perpetuate unconscious bias. Men are more likely to be perceived as natural leaders, while women are judged based on stereotypes questioning their competence or commitment. Implementing blind recruitment processes, diverse hiring panels, and ongoing bias training can mitigate these biases and promote a more equitable hiring process.
5. Work-Life Balance and Parental Leave
Patriarchy affects perceptions of work-life balance and parental leave. Traditional gender roles place the burden of caregiving on women, leading to career interruptions and reduced opportunities for advancement. Companies that offer equitable parental leave policies, flexible working arrangements, and supportive return-to-work programs can dismantle these barriers and promote gender equality.
THE PATH FORWARD: CREATING INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES
Addressing the impact of patriarchy in the workplace requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Here are actionable steps to foster an inclusive work environment:
Leadership Commitment: Leaders must prioritize diversity and inclusion, setting the tone from the top and holding themselves accountable for progress.
Policy Reforms: Implement policies that promote pay equity, prevent harassment, and support work-life balance.
Education and Training: Regular training on unconscious bias, diversity, and inclusion can help shift mindsets and behaviors.
Mentorship and Sponsorship: Establish mentorship and sponsorship programs to support the career growth of women and underrepresented groups.
Inclusive Culture and Allyship: Foster a culture where diverse voices are heard, respected, and valued.
By addressing the systemic issues rooted in patriarchy, we can create a work environment that is not only fair and equitable but also more innovative and successful. Depending on your organization and team dynamics, the impact of patriarchy may vary in intensity. While global progress has been made, the journey towards equality continues.
FIERCE UP’S COMMITMENT
At Fierce Up, we value diversity and inclusiveness. We contribute to the global systemic shift through workshops, facilitated conversations, team coaching, and other programs. Recognizing the need for even more safe but fierce spaces to address uncomfortable topics, Tiffany has created a special podcast season with guest host and gender expert Kate Mangino: Rerouting: Navigating Patriarchy.
Recommended Podcast Episodes
Tiffany and Kate host Ryan Ubuntu Olson to discuss various topics, debunking gendered characteristics and learning how Ryan unlocked his humanity, creating safe spaces for others globally. Plus, a roadmap to help you become a safe space for the kids in your life.
Tiffany and Kate talk with Blessing Adesiyan, CEO and founder of The Care Gap. They compare their experiences entering the workforce with babies and explore cultural differences and gaps in motherhood, societal expectations, and childcare in the US and abroad. Don’t miss the powerful call to action for men to ENTER THE CHAT.
Tiffany and Kate discuss the "shit sandwiches" patriarchy serves daily. They dissect an awful interview that inspired them to spotlight these issues and establish a space free from the metaphorical "shit sandwich."
CONCLUSION
These episodes highlight how patriarchy affects us all and emphasize that equality benefits everyone. Enjoy listening and join us in creating awareness and driving positive change! Let’s commit to making our workplace a beacon of inclusivity and equality. By shedding light on crucial issues and inspiring positive change, we can build a future where equality and respect are the cornerstones of our professional lives.
If your company is looking for support on this journey, contact us and we’re happy to support your teams with an introductory workshop or to co-create a bespoke program based on your specific needs.