Harperson proposes sexual discrimination in the workplace

[DodgyAgent]

Yes, the woman is bonkers, but the fact remains that, despite all the advances of the 20th Century, women are still far less likely to occupy senior positions (in any business) than men.

Why is this?

Is this because women can't do the job? Well, I don't believe so, and I don't think most people believe so (although no doubt there's a few on this board that disagree.)

Or should we dig out examples of women who have done it and say "if they can, then there is no problem". Again, no, they are the exception.

So we have to look at the way things have evolved over the last 150 years, from a patriarchal society defining rules and roles in a way that more easily allowed men to succeed than women. The long working hours, putting work before family culture is not female friendly. Whilst many inequalities have been levelled out, for women to succeed they have to conform to the male-centric systems that evolved when men were in charge. Just look at parliament - the jeering and heckling - not what most of us would consider ladylike behaviour. Same with the cut and thrust of the board room - women are admired professionally when they have 'balls' (and if they have a good pair of breasts, all the better).

Until women are properly valued for the contribution they make as women, and the environment is more encouraging in allowing women to succeed whilst still having time out to raise families, we're unlikely to see true equality.

I think women have better things to do than to compete with men in the workplace

[EternalOptimist]

I think women have better things to do than to compete with men in the workplace

On a purely pilosophical level, when it comes to the way women have been treated and repressed, I find it very difficult to look them in the eye ....mmmmm..breasts

[norrahe]

I think women have better things to do than to compete with men in the workplace

Unfortunately we just have to put up with them instead

Equality in the workplace is all well and good until women in general stop whining and start proving their worth. Having worked in the city for many years, yes there is sexism, and general tulipty comments, but ignore it and get on with it. If you bail out and decide to sue then it just puts the rest of us back where we started. I know people should not have to put up that sort of behaviour but that's the industry for you.

[EternalOptimist]

Unfortunately we just have to put up with them instead

Equality in the workplace is all well and good until women in general stop whining and start proving their worth. Having worked in the city for many years, yes there is sexism, and general tulipty comments, but ignore it and get on with it. If you bail out and decide to sue then it just puts the rest of us back where we started. I know people should have to put up that sort of behaviour but that's the industry for you.

well said Norrahe

mmmmmmm....big uns

[norrahe]

well said Norrahe

mmmmmmm....big uns

Big guns?????

[amcdonald]

What exactly is an 'arch-feminist'?

One that makes money out of being a feminist, and sees it more as a career than really believing in what they're saying. See climate change scientist for similar

[NotAllThere]

"Of the two top jobs in the Labour party, one must be a woman, one a man", would be more acceptable.

I mean, the leader will need someone to bring him his tea.

[fullyautomatix]

"Of the two top jobs in the Labour party, one must be a woman, one a man", would be more acceptable.

I mean, the leader will need someone to bring him his BJ.

FTFY

[Mason Boyne]

ow ow
i'm being repressed

Now we're seeing the violence inherent in the system!

[mudskipper]

Unfortunately we just have to put up with them instead

Equality in the workplace is all well and good until women in general stop whining and start proving their worth. Having worked in the city for many years, yes there is sexism, and general tulipty comments, but ignore it and get on with it. If you bail out and decide to sue then it just puts the rest of us back where we started. I know people should not have to put up that sort of behaviour but that's the industry for you.

But that's the point. Women should not have to prove their worth any more than men should. Why is it we (men and women) view female traits as negative? No-one wants their son to be described as 'a bit girly' but it's fine to say your daughter is a tom-boy - more than fine, it's a positive characteristic. Nothing wrong with a bit of banter, but it's the underlying, deeply ingrained attitudes that need changing. Agree that sueing is rarely the answer, but to dimiss women as 'whining' isn't doing any of us any favours.