Ageism in the Workplace: A Study on Women’s Experience
When we talk about ageism in the workplace, we often view it as a bias that affects older workers.
July 14, 2023
07:04
Introduction
But a new study, published in Harvard Business Review, shows that women face age bias whether they are young, middle aged or older. And that can impact not only women’s ability to rise the ranks, but the broader economy as well.
“A lot of these women are saying, ‘You know what? I want to work for myself, I want to start my own company because that seems like it’s the better way to go,’” said ForbesWomen editor Maggie McGrath on Friday’s “Morning Joe.”
Study Details
- Researchers spoke to 913 women leaders across four U.S. industries (higher education, faith-based non-profits, law and health care).
- The women were grouped into three categories: “young” (under 40), “middle aged” (between 40 and 60) and “older” (over 60).
Findings
- Women under the age of 40 said they were called pet names like “kiddo,” and patted on the head. They also faced a “credibility deficit” where they were not taken seriously. They reported being mistaken for students, interns, trainees, secretaries, paralegals and more.
- Women between the ages of 40 and 60 were told they have “too much family responsibility.” Some search committees reportedly declined to hire women in their 50s because of “menopause-related issues” that “could be challenging to manage.”
- Women who were age 60 and beyond expressed feeling “discounted” and “irrelevant.” One physician told researchers that “while men become wells of wisdom as they age, older women are seen as outdated, harpy, strident,” one physician noted. “Our voices are discounted.”
June 13, 2023
06:49
Examples in Politics
“Morning Joe” co-host Mika Brze
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses ageism and gender bias in the workplace, which are issues related to gender equality and reduced inequalities. It also highlights the impact of ageism on women’s ability to rise in their careers, which connects to the goal of decent work and economic growth.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
- Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard
The article highlights discrimination against women of different ages in the workplace, which aligns with Target 5.1 of ending all forms of discrimination against women. It also emphasizes the need for equal opportunity and reducing inequalities, which relates to Target 10.3. Additionally, the article discusses the impact of ageism on women’s employment and career growth, connecting to Target 8.5.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce, and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex
- Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities
- Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law
The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but the identified targets can be measured using indicators related to legal frameworks promoting equality, unemployment rates by sex and age, and personal experiences of discrimination. These indicators can provide insights into the progress made towards achieving the identified targets.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce, and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities |
| Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard | Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: msnbc.com
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