Advantages of Being a Woman in a Male Dominant Workplace

In a 2009 study of earnings and incomes in the United States, the non-profit organization, Catalyst, found that African American and Latino women earn an average of 10% less than males, while for Asian and white woman the discrepancy rises to 20%. From my experience as a small business owner and an employee in corporate America there are advantages to being a woman, especially in a male dominant workplace. A smart woman will learn to turn the tables on statistical studies and succeed because she is a woman.

The Fair Sex

In his book Why Men Are the Way They Are, renowned psychologist and sociologist, Dr. Warren Farrell, talks of the "beauty power" women possess as the fair sex. In a male dominant workplace, this factor becomes even more obvious because women are rare. Taking advantage of being a beautiful woman, I enjoyed the benefit of starting meetings and tense business dealings on a positive footing. My feminine beauty, though modestly clad in a formal business suit, opened doors for me; although thereafter success depended on merit.

Chivalry

In corporate America sexual harassment protocol is very clear, resulting in women being treated as equal to men. But as a small business owner working with males from various cultures and countries, I found that I was treated differently as a woman. Innuendos and flirtations were unwelcome, but in business haggling and financial hot spots I took advantage of being a woman and appealed to male chivalry. I was able to diffuse difficult situations because men were less likely to argue with a woman or express anger. This advanced us past emotional friction to actual problem solving.

Motherhood

Many women take time out from their careers to raise their children. I did the same because I had my child early, when I could not afford to hire a trust-worthy nanny. Women working in a competitive, male dominant workplace have two distinct advantages when it comes to motherhood. Their income is typically high, opening the door to hiring a nanny or an Au Pair. In addition, their paid maternity leave is typically twice or three times as long as that afforded to fathers.

Harmony

In her article, Women and Men, Work and Power, Sharon Patrick, President and COO of Martha Stewart Living, observes a primal difference between the sexes. While men are hunters, women are gatherers. Thus, in business conflict situations, men will rely on pressure or intimidation in a desire to defeat an opponent; while women will search to collaborate and find common ground. Experience taught me that, as a woman, I have the advantage of calming the warrior and generating a sense of harmony in the men I negotiate with. Reaching common ground once trust was established became easier.

Diversity in the Workplace

In an effort to increase the ratio of women to men in male dominant workplaces, large corporations will encourage the promotion of women at a higher rate than their male counterparts. In most cases I've seen, women had to be frank with their managers about wanting to track for promotion. But once the goals had been achieved, women were promoted immediately. This affirmative action approach opens the door to women who are smart enough to take advantage of being a woman.

More from this Contributor

Returning to Work After Motherhood

Financial Steps to Take If You're Getting Divorced

Keeping Separate Bank Accounts after Marriage

Reference:

Illinois Job Network: "How Real Women Get Ahead"