The ‘glass ceiling’ is a term applied to explain an invisible barrier hindering a particular demographic group from advancing beyond a given hierarchy level. It prevents minorities and women from attaining high positions in organizations. The pervasive resistance frustrates efforts made by individuals from these groups, making it difficult for them to climb their career and professional ladder. The metaphor was common in the late 1970s and early 80s when women joined the workforce in large numbers. It was meant to block them from achieving high management levels. Women of childbearing age were considered incompetent and incapable of generating desirable results because of their maternal duties. Many companies were not willing to employ women or allow them to take managerial positions (Farley & Flota, 2017, pp. 28). This paper defines the glass ceiling and explores how it influences my view of the world, clashes with my view, and addresses important issues.
The term can be applied to explain existing inequalities in the workplace, particularly when qualified workers are denied promotions based on their gender and background. They are usually overlooked, and individuals who are less competent and experienced are considered for senior positions. The term is of interest to me since it encourages the establishment of effective strategies to overcome issues that hinder the achievement of my career and personal goals (Farley & Flota, 2017). I understand that the first step in breaking my ‘glass ceiling’ is through passing my exams.
Acquiring a well-paying job would require me to perform excellently in all my papers. This would give me an upper hand when seeking employment in different companies. Attaining my dream will require improving my suitability for jobs ensuring that I understand all the taught concepts, and show determination in offering quality services. Although the term is mainly applied to refer to discrimination against minority groups and women, everyone faces challenging issues that hinder progress. For a student, one way of breaking the ceiling is by following the guidance provided by instructors and spending time to achieve the expected outcome (Farley & Flota, 2017). Moreover, I have to overcome negative peer pressure and bad friendships that could divert my attention from the learning process. This means that I must prioritize my learning and ensure that nothing obstructs my studies.
The term clashes with my view of the world since I believe that it is wrong to oppress women and people of color. Everyone is important and should be given equal opportunities for advancement. Women play an important role in society, and success cannot be achieved without recognizing their efforts (Farley & Flota, 2017). Women serve beneficial roles such as educators, conscience, caretakers, entrepreneurs, educators, and counselors. They play a role in ensuring progress, stability, as well as long-term national development. It is wrong to discriminate against people who take key roles in planning for their families. I believe that women should be respected since men cannot achieve their goals without the input of women.
I reject the negative worldview against people of color and condemn any action made to obstruct them from succeeding or attaining higher positions in their workplaces. The world should stop considering these people as inferior since they are capable of delivering quality work. Moreover, obstructing them from participating in economic activities implies that a few people would support nation-building creating room for failures. Success can only be realized when everyone is involved and given an opportunity to advance (Farley & Flota, 2017). Unlike in the past, when women were only involved in domestic activities, they are now highly educated and competent enough to serve in every field. Capability should be evaluated based on merits such as academic level, experience, and other necessary skills but should not be gauged on gender or ethnicity.
The concept of the glass ceiling changed my views on minority groups and women. It helped me understand the existing oppression and discrimination in the workplace and their negative implications. It has enabled me to realize that there are different personal barriers hindering people from achieving their desired goals, similar to struggles experienced by women when attempting to acquire senior management positions. Employees and employers can ‘break the ceiling’ by working together to address existing issues (Farley & Flota, 2017). Employers should establish a favorable working environment that motivates workers to work hard and make every effort to ensure the achievement of ultimate organizational goals.
The concept communicated with me and made it possible to learn that achieving results call for sacrifice and determination. For instance, my view about women and minority groups changed because I realized that they were performing well in class like other students. It became clear to me that girls achieve good grades in STEM courses that were considered male fields. Blocking people based on gender is a way of hindering talents that can help transform the world (Farley & Flota, 2017). People of color and women are the two historically marginalized groups, and they are still struggling with advancing their positions in the 21st century.
The concept helped address aspects that are important to my family, community, and ethnic groups. Inequality is a major problem in society that affects everyone negatively. Issues facing one person usually extend to another and eventually cause a devastating impact on the community. For instance, discriminating against skillful women and hindering them from taking managerial positions affect organizational leadership (Farley & Flota, 2017). This could affect the overall productivity and profitability, making it difficult to advance. Women are social and economic pillars, and eliminating them would mark the beginning of failures.
One major aspect that the concept helped address was the viewing of women and people of color as inferior in the community. It improved the perception towards others and encouraged giving equal opportunities to everyone. Since people have different talents, it encourages giving room to everyone to nurture their skills and strive to improve their potential (Farley & Flota, 2017). Moreover, the concept discouraged undermining people who can play a role in improving the lives of others. People seeking employment should be equal chances during the interviewing process. Organizations should consider candidates who are most suitable and have the best potential to offer desirable work.
In conclusion, everyone is prone to challenges in the workplace and career, including those attempting to boost their positions in a company as well as those running their businesses. Employers must eliminate structural barriers hindering people from advancing their positions on the grounds of age, ethnicity, or gender. Moreover, individuals should remain determined to improve their situation and make it better from time to time. Everyone must focus on eliminating the ‘glass ceiling’ that is blocking growth, whether self-imposed or organizational. It is necessary to have a change of mind and address a problem from diverse perspectives to achieve the best outcome.
Reference
Farley, J. & Flota, M. (2017). Sociology. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.