Just One Of The Guys Analysis

Gender inequality in the workplace is prevalent now and has been for hundreds of years even with the presence of laws and policies that forbid it. Kristen Schilt the author of “Just One of the Guys?” targets how natural difference schemas shape today’s workplace and reinforce gender inequality. She does so by using both open and stealth transmens’ experiences in the workplace to provide examples of how natural difference schemas are prevalent and hard to undo. Schilt also highlights how race, height, sex, and masculinity can benefit or hurt one's place in work world. Before understanding how natural difference schemas shape the workplace, fully understanding what a natural difference schema is necessary. A natural difference schema is a “lens” that people use to understand the world around them. It implies that men and women are innately different from one another and that men are “superior” to women. Through this lens you can see how this schema influences individual behaviors and institutional organization. Natural difference schemas are institutionally embedded in our society through hegemonic patriarchy. Men are considered the dominant sex and in most cases have the upper hand when it comes to receiving benefits in the workplace. For …show more content…
They have less freedom in shaping their identity due to racialized and gender schemas. Christopher was hired for a new job but was not handed any gender benefits because he was asian. Asian men are seen as passive individuals creating a hard environment for them to receive authority and respect. African Americans also have a tough time when it comes to work. People look at them as aggressive, angry, and dangerous. Aaron's supervisors wrote him up for rolling his eyes during a meeting and was told that he comes off as aggressive. On the other hand the gender schema for white men makes them seem smart, organized, and educated individuals leading to countless