Workplace Discrimination

During World War II, many men from different countries were required to leave their regular jobs and go fight. At this time, many factories and offices counted on women. Women were to fill-in for these men in order to maintain output levels for the employers. Maybe this can be considered the beginning of the women's liberation movement as women had a new feeling of power - they were able to do the work and they became economically independent.

Since that time women have tried to achieve equal status to men in many different parts of life, specially at the workplace. Although there are many success stories, such as Carla Fiorina being the head honcho of Hewlett-Packard or Margaret Thatcher being the Prime Minister (PM) of England, a lot of women still complain about a glass-ceiling. Yes, higher rates of women work than in past decades. However, some say that the level of their positions still remain quite low. The men are the ones who receive the promotions and higher pay at the executive level. In addition, in some cultures once a woman gets married she sometimes feels as if the other staff members are giving her the cold shoulder. They want to influence her to leave the company. This is because once she gets married she might put her husband and family before her work, which would make her less productive. Or, it could be a way for companies to avoid paying for maternity leave if she became pregnant after marriage. Another issue at work involves "reverse discrimination." Some people complain that job positions or promotions are not always based on who is the best qualified candidate. Rather, it is decided by the person's gender or ethnic background. It might create more equal opportunity for minorities and increase the image of the company, but it leaves some individuals out in the cold. output levels = quantity of final items produced women's liberation movement = movement seeking equal rights for women glass-ceiling = invisible barrier blocking a person's promotion to management because of the person's gender and race. maternity leave (AmE)(BrE family leave) = paid time a woman takes off of work for the birth of a baby reverse discrimination = unfair treatment of members of a majority group minorities = a small part of the population that is different (e.g., due to their race) count on = depend on, rely on, expect be to fill-in = substitute, have to take places head honcho = boss, especially in a high position cold shoulder = style of not being nice and friendly intentionally out in the cold = left out, not being part of benefits given to others put before = prioritize #business