"Likeability" and women political candidates

[BlueMTexpat]

Is Hillary Clinton “likable enough”? Science has an answer.

This is an interesting read.

Across a wide spectrum of traditionally male-dominated professions, women are becoming leaders with increasing frequency. But they haven’t yet been able to shed the social penalties that accompany climbing up the ladder. The same behaviors that are required of women to achieve professional success are also seen by others as "difficult," "abrasive," and "selfish." In a word, unlikable.

In studies where participants are asked to examine a job candidate, where the only variable changed is the candidate’s gender, they typically rate female candidates as equally competent to their male counterparts, but they’re perceived as much colder.

Behind this phenomenon is what researchers call a "backlash." Women who become managers in male-dominated fields are often the subject of intense negativity – employees tend to like and respect them less than male bosses.

That’s because when women act assertively or competitively, or when they appear emotionally restrained, these women are flouting gender norms about how they should behave. Researchers have found that this dislike comes from the perception that these women aren’t nurturing or cooperative.

More at http://www.vox.com/2016/1/1/10695570/hillary-clinton-likable

[1StrongBlackMan]

1. Studies have arrived at the same conclusions ...

regarding "impressions" with respect to African-Americans that survive/rise through the corporate ranks, and much so with African-American females.

[BlueMTexpat]

3. We're all damned if we do and

damned if we don't - twice damned for AA females!

One of my secret hopes for the 2016 election cycle was for Michelle Obama to throw her hat into the ring. OK, she has NO elected political experience for herself, but her poise, grace, intelligence and downright common sense - together with name recognition and general lack of political baggage - MORE than make up for that, IMO. But the Obama family is due a well-deserved rest and I am sure that she will continue to contribute positively to US political and social discourse in the meantime.

Who knows what the future may hold, even if the odds look pretty remote right now. In the meantime, I'm with Hillary.

Happy New Year, 1SBM!

[1StrongBlackMan]

5. I wouldn't wish the grind of the Office, and the trail to that Office, on Michelle Obama ...

she, her husband and, most of all, their (not so, anymore) little one's deserve a break. They all have comported themselves well.

[BlueMTexpat]

6. They have done the US very proud,

both at home and abroad.

[1StrongBlackMan]

8. Yes they have. eom

[Thinkingabout]

2. I have heard similar remarks, like

"The only reason you got this job was because you are a woman" of which I replied "The only reason you got the job before me was because you are a man".

[BlueMTexpat]

4. Yes, the misogyny remains

strong among some, that's for sure! Good reply!

[1StrongBlackMan]

7. Great reply ...

Next time (should there be a next time), add:

"The only reason you got this job was because you are a woman" of which I replied "The only reason you got the job before me was because you are a man ... Now. Do you really want to compare performance, now that we are both here?".

The misnomer of Affirmative Action is that it has anything to do with retention ... Affirmative Action may (or may not) have been how you got in the door; but, competence is what keeps you there ... and opportunity (the next challenge) is what allows you to soar; at this point, women (and other minorities) must CREATE the opportunities, that others are just granted.

[Thinkingabout]

9. This was back a while when women was accepted into what was traditionally reserved for men.

I made the point shortly after getting the position and they found women was more accurate and good record keepers. Thanks for your support, only a few said this verbally, most was accepting.

[riversedge]

10. Great article. Thanks for the post.