According to the national survey results, 27% of white women earns $100,000 or more in comparison to 10% of African-American women. 32% of white women managers were at the top level management positions in comparison to 14% of African American (Bell, p. 138). Even though that women in general are dealing with discrimination due to their gender, African-American women or women in color experience a much stronger discrimination due to their gender and their race.
“The obstacles to advancement perceived by the black women managers were different both in degree and kind from the obstacle perceived by white women managers” (Bell, p. 137). Female minority runs into barriers in a workplace that impairs their ability to reach any promotional opportunity …show more content…
My friend said something about her background to us and the department manager said “I did not know you’re black, I thought you’re half something” which made my friend really annoyed. This is an example of another barrier called “invisibility vise”. Just like my friend, African-American women often times have to make sure that they mentioned they are “black” just so that people will know their background. Often times, “they literally lose their blackness for the white colleagues to feel comfortable with them” (Bell, p. 150)
Exclusion from informal networks is another barrier experienced by African American women. In the workplace, individuals tend to form a relationship with people who categorize themselves similarly in terms on gender or race. As a result, African American women had less access to organizational network and they do not get as much important organizational information than white males and white females. (Bell, p. 152). This barrier makes it difficult for African American women to move on to a different company because they do not have enough connections outside of her own …show more content…
Even though companies say that they are committed to promoting diversity, according to the national survey, “only 21% of the African American women felt their companies were committed to the advancement of people in color in management” (Bell, p. 155) Despite the challenges, African American women do attain the top position at companies. They are able to climb up the concrete wall. Perseverance is the most common reason how women were able to break down the wall. These women are determined to prove their worth. They have made sacrifices such as working longer hours, gaining weight, and just doing whatever it takes to ensure that they get the promotion they deserve. “Over-time the top African American women developed a refined sassiness as part of their business persona or style” (Bell, p. 164). These women speak their minds and they do not let their voices be unheard. They have developed a way to professionally advise their superiors and peers that they are as competent as they
“The obstacles to advancement perceived by the black women managers were different both in degree and kind from the obstacle perceived by white women managers” (Bell, p. 137). Female minority runs into barriers in a workplace that impairs their ability to reach any promotional opportunity …show more content…
My friend said something about her background to us and the department manager said “I did not know you’re black, I thought you’re half something” which made my friend really annoyed. This is an example of another barrier called “invisibility vise”. Just like my friend, African-American women often times have to make sure that they mentioned they are “black” just so that people will know their background. Often times, “they literally lose their blackness for the white colleagues to feel comfortable with them” (Bell, p. 150)
Exclusion from informal networks is another barrier experienced by African American women. In the workplace, individuals tend to form a relationship with people who categorize themselves similarly in terms on gender or race. As a result, African American women had less access to organizational network and they do not get as much important organizational information than white males and white females. (Bell, p. 152). This barrier makes it difficult for African American women to move on to a different company because they do not have enough connections outside of her own …show more content…
Even though companies say that they are committed to promoting diversity, according to the national survey, “only 21% of the African American women felt their companies were committed to the advancement of people in color in management” (Bell, p. 155) Despite the challenges, African American women do attain the top position at companies. They are able to climb up the concrete wall. Perseverance is the most common reason how women were able to break down the wall. These women are determined to prove their worth. They have made sacrifices such as working longer hours, gaining weight, and just doing whatever it takes to ensure that they get the promotion they deserve. “Over-time the top African American women developed a refined sassiness as part of their business persona or style” (Bell, p. 164). These women speak their minds and they do not let their voices be unheard. They have developed a way to professionally advise their superiors and peers that they are as competent as they