BEXP 12A08 - Who Run the World ? Gender equality, power, and leadership in the workplace

Women have made significant progress over the course of history in achieving greater equity in the domestic sphere and in the workplace, but they still earn less on average than men and are underrepresented in multiple industries and senior positions and certainly do not run the world (contrary to what Beyoncé might say!). We will look at where we stand today on gender equality in the workplace, the structural barriers for gender inequality, and the role of bias and stereotypes in preventing gender diversity. This course will provide students with an analytic framework to understand the mechanisms that generate gaps in gender equality in positions of power and leadership, and explore interventions to close these gaps. The historical context will also be analysed. The course will focus primarily on contemporary research and discourses concerning gender inequality in the Western World from a historical, sociological and economic point of view. The wider international perspective will be introduced by student presentations and contributions. The class will be highly interactive combining debates, case studies, videos, and student presentations.

Clare RAMSBOTTOM

Séminaire

English

Spring 2024-2025

1°) One short essay in the form of an “argumentative dialogue” (30% of the final grade) You will have to write a short essay (2-3 pages) on a topic related to gender inequality in the workplace. This essay will take the form of an “argumentative dialogue” in which person A explains and defends an opinion on a topic, and person B asks A to clarify their arguments and introduces counter-arguments, controversies and limitations. This exercise should help you to reuse arguments seen in class in your own words and construct a convincing flow of arguments. 2) Group research project In small groups, students will choose a country and research gender equality in the workplace in this country. The results of their research will be presented in class, including a full bibliography of sources. Research should include: - Key facts and figures on gender equality in the workplace in this country and a historical perspective on progress (or lack of it) - Cultural issues which facilitate or inhibit gender equality - Existing or potential policies or initiatives in favour of gender equality in the workplace and the pros and cons of these initiatives 3) Participation in class discussion and debate based on compulsory readings All students are expected to use critical reading skills when preparing for class. Critical reading involves presenting a reasoned argument that evaluates and analyses what you have read. Criteria for grading participation: Listening skills and interaction with other students, preparation, quality of contributions (analysis, interpretation, synthesis), impact on seminar, frequency of participation.

At the end of the course, the student is expected to : 1°) Have developed an understanding of the main inequalities between men and women in the workplace in the Western World. 2°) understand the mechanisms that generate gaps in gender equality in positions of power and leadership 3°) be able to participate in an active way in debates around gender equality in the workplace and offer possible solutions. The course uses the following pedagogical formats: lectures, debates, classroom discussion, student presentations, video extracts, critical reading of essential texts.