The glass ceiling : women's awareness of gender barriers in career advancement

Authors

Lafferty, Zara

Issue Date

2010

Degree

BA (Hons) in Social Science

Publisher

Dublin Business School

Rights

Abstract

This study explores women’s awareness of gender barriers in career advancement. The research sample consisted of 5 women, who were employed in the financial sector. Participants were interviewed on a one to one basis. The transcribed data was analysed using critical discourse analysis. Results showed that participants had a high level of awareness of gender barriers in the workplace. Participants’ understanding of gender barriers were shown to be consistent with pervious research. None of the participants identified a senior management position as a career goal. Results suggest that gendered barriers to advancement and the perceived personal sacrifice inherent in senior management positions resulted in women downsizing their career aspirations.