Glass Ceiling Effect

The glass ceiling effect is a concerning issue in society and mostly in urban work culture. Despite extreme urbanisation and modernisation in our society and also diverse promotion in the work culture, somehow, women, certain groups of people, or specific sex or races are still in the minority, especially in higher positions or in decision-making roles. 

This scenario puts light on the phenomenon of the glass ceiling effect. The glass ceiling phenomenon is basically vertical discrimination mostly within companies against individuals of a particular sex or race, which stops them from excelling in their position.

The glass ceiling here is used as a metaphor. Rather, it is like this invisible barrier that restricts the growth of women and minorities in their workplace.

What Exactly is the Glass Ceiling Effect?

The glass ceiling effect is the omnipresent resistance to the contributions of women and minorities to excel in their work and reach the high positions of the company where they are working. Marilyn Loden was the first person who coined the phenomenon, and it became extremely relevant in the 1980s. However, still now in the 21st century, it is prevailing in our work culture.

In the 1980s, “glass ceiling” was often used synonymously to another phrase called the “mommy track.” During those times, it was very unfortunate yet common for women of the childbearing age group to be called the less motivated individuals when compared to the male employees of a company. The assumption was that women of this age took extensive leaves for their health and were less dedicated towards their work due to their maternal responsibilities.

But later on, this mommy track issue became obsolete after the introduction of laws that enabled pregnant women and couples to take time off from their work to take care of their children. But somehow, our society still fights issues like the glass ceiling effect silently.

How can the glass ceiling effect be detected?

Some of the best glass ceiling effect examples can be seen in workplaces, especially in bigger organisations. A company can have a diverse workforce that possesses a good amount of female employees as well. But somehow, in the upper ranks, there are not enough women or minorities represented. 

And most men are recruited in the top positions of the organisation. Even though there are many deserving candidates who are not men, women do not get an equal amount of opportunities. This is where we can detect the presence of the glass ceiling effect.

Some other vivid glass ceiling effect examples are as follows:

• Women and minorities are left out from attending important meetings and mass communication sessions. They are excluded from any networking events which are conducted outside their workplace.
• Women and minorities are deprived of good, exclusive mentorships. They are not given enough opportunities to create better connections with high authorities to prove their diligence.
• Women and minorities work the same hours every day and give the same amount of effort as any male employee, yet are not getting enough pay and opportunities compared to their male employees.  

How does the glass ceiling effect affect people psychologically?

A continuous hostile environment in the workplace can affect people psychologically and physically as well. When someone is so dedicated towards their career, invests time and an immense amount of effort in their work, yet =do not get the opportunities and raises they deserve, it affects them mentally to a great extent.

Individuals in such situations go through various issues like

• Resentment
• Anger
• Self-doubts
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress

Not excelling in work and being stuck in the same position for years even though the individual is working with utmost dedication will eventually lead to them losing interest in their job. They will stop being so dedicated to their work. This will facilitate self-doubt, loneliness, and a lot of other emotions, which will affect the person psychologically to a great extent.

Chronic stress due to the glass ceiling effect can facilitate heart issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, anger issues, and a lot more lifestyle complications.

Why is the glass ceiling effect still prevailing in society?

This is an important question that we all should address, especially in today’s date when so much modernisation is happening around us. The prejudices and assumptions about women and minorities are somehow still there in people’s minds. These are deep-rooted societal assumptions made by people and are still prevailing, unfortunately.

But it is extremely important that we stop this and give deserving people the opportunities they should be getting irrespective of their gender, caste, race and ethnicity. Because the glass ceiling effect is not only keeping women and minorities in the background—the glass ceiling effect psychology affects the person’s mental and physical health to a great extent as well.

Conclusion

Living in the 21st century and dealing with the glass ceiling effect is nothing less than shameful. With all the liberalism and modernisation happening around us, if we fail to provide an ample amount of opportunities to candidates who deserve them, it makes no difference in our time and society.

The glass ceiling effect is not only a problem that affects the careers of minorities and underrepresented groups; it also affects their psychological state and physical condition in the longer run. The frustration that comes from experiencing this issue is lethal for anybody; hence, it should be eradicated from the work culture with full effect.