Leadership and Gender

            To research my stereotype that there are work expectations for men and women, I chose a study that looked at the differences in males and females in administrative jobs.  Women are often encouraged to become teachers, while men are attracted to administration roles. In a study done by Marianne Coleman (2003), she analyzes the correlation between gender and leadership roles in male and female principles. In literature reviews she explains that leadership is a male trait, allowing more men to be principles in schools than women.

            Marianne Coleman (2003) conducted a descriptive study in which she interviewed and surveyed male and female principles in England.  She asked them questions about their career progress, family life and experiences after becoming principles. Many of the men acknowledged the differential treatment between men and woman in the workplace, but it obviously did not affect their jobs.  The survey showed that a large majority of women were granted their jobs by men.  In addition, once they were principles they felt that their credibility as a leader was always put into question.  Many times the women principles were believed to be secretaries by parents that would visit the schools.

            One of the important conclusions from the study found that women were extremely conscious of their sex and leadership role. If a woman was believed to be tough for disciplining a student, they came across as “bitchy” instead of stern. In the media, women are generally considered bitchy instead of tough. When Hilary Clinton ran for president, she was a “bitch” because she was an aggressive woman. Women also have the added pressure of juggling work and family life. This can affect their performance because they feel stressed and not respected. In Coleman’s conclusion she states that the problem of women being treated without respect in an administrator’s position has more to do with society. People follow social norms. Deep rooted beliefs in society continuously support male dominance in leadership roles.

Reference: Coleman, M. (2003). Gender and the Orthodoxies of Leadership. School Leadership and Management, Vol 23, No 3, 325-339.