Why Are Women In Workplaces Considered Aggressive And Not Assertive?
By Pragya Damani -
Women in workplaces are not exempted from gender norms or societal expectations. It is a common expectation that women in leadership positions will maintain herself so as to appear cooperative and docile, unlike her male counterpart.
This double-standard approach towards women in higher positions is not only unjustified but also senseless.
It is a given fact that people who climb the workplace ladder through their own abilities are not docile and passive. They reach their esteemed positions by being firm and confident, and by not giving in to the expectation of the masses.
It is also a given fact that women in authority are perceived differently from men in authority. If a man is firm and set in his decisions, he is considered to be confident and assertive.
The same assertiveness in a woman in the same position is regarded as aggressiveness and impertinence.
What Makes Women Different?
Any given position requires the same educational qualification yet when acquired, the approach towards the chair becomes subject to whether it is occupied by a man or a woman.
Women are considered to be kind and nurturing, understanding of her subordinates’ situations. Men do not particularly have to portray themselves as considerate beings.
If a woman does not comply with societal expectations, she is labelled as a “bitch” and is termed “aggressive.” A man, with the same set of behaviour, is simply “practical” and “confident.”
The reason can be that women are considered to be driven by their emotions whereas men are guided by their sense of wisdom and practicality.
Gender Diversity In Name
It is difficult to maintain one’s authority due to increased competition. Senseless expectations from women based solely on their genders add undue stress and complications in their working lives. Such expectations need to change with the changing times.
Share your workplace experience with us in the comment section. How do you think things can change?
Originally published at https://edtimes.in on March 6, 2023.