Hidden discrimination against women in access to positions of responsibility

Abstract

This study addresses the real reasons that prevent women from accessing positions of responsibility, whether in the public or private sector. To understand the reasons for the indirect exclusion of women from these positions, we will try to shed light on two theories belonging to the sociology of gender: the first is called the “glass ceiling” theory, while the second is called “Cliff of glass ". The concept of the “glass ceiling” appeared in the 1970s in the United States and is based on the idea that women cannot access positions of responsibility, even if they have the conditions and skills to imitate them. This phenomenon is expressed by the glass ceiling. In other words, the law does not prevent them from running for these positions, but a set of hidden or imaginary obstacles prevent them from being accepted for these positions. The “glass abyss” theory is an extension of the first theory, but it is completely different from it in that it indicates that a woman exceptionally chosen to occupy a high position can only be achieved in the case where the position is the risk of failure is high: thus, women believe for a moment that the first is that they have been promoted and that they are able to escape the “glass ceiling”. But in reality, their choice comes at a time of great crisis and they often find themselves on the edge of the abyss. The abyss in which, due to economic decline or political uncertainty, it is impossible to assume this position