Does the presence of women in management impact gender inequality?

Abstract

Differential access to managerial jobs and occupations creates and sustains inequality on other important markers of gender inequality, as these positions bestow many benefits on their incumbents. Also, the demographic composition of managerial positions has important consequences for those who work at lower levels, as managers are critical actors who shape the allocation of rewards in organizations. In this chapter, I review theoretical and empirical work on both the question of access and whether women’s presence in managerial jobs affects gender inequality. Although there has been a marked increase in women’s representation in managerial roles, progress has slowed. This has far-reaching implications for gender inequality, as a burgeoning body of literature shows that women’s presence in managerial hierarchies reduces gender inequality.