Equal Employment Opportunity: Women Bureaucrats in Male‐Dominated Professions
Background
The public sector is often seen as a refuge from workplace discrimination, yet gender inequities persist. Women in male-dominated roles continue to encounter subtle and systemic barriers that shape their daily work experiences and career outcomes.
Purpose
This study uses interviews with city managers and police officers to examine the internal organizational processes, structures, and interactions that influence women’s experiences in male-dominated public sector roles.
Outcome
Findings show that legislative and administrative remedies alone are insufficient to address gender inequities. Cultural change within organizations is critical, including assessing where inequities are reproduced and building gender analysis skills among the workforce. By addressing these internal dynamics, public sector organizations can create more equitable and inclusive environments for women.