Workplace Privilege

After reading Peggy McIntosh's article on white privilege I began to think about my own privilege as a white male. Because I am white I not only have white privilege but also male privilege. A lot of examples relating to workplace conditions came to my mind when thinking about the idea of male privilege. As a male I am more likely to be promoted to a higher position in a company. As a male I am more likely to earn a higher wage than a female worker doing the same job. As a male I am more likely to be around other men when working in a business environment. I personally work in a male dominated business environment (Tech Support Services). But that last thought might not hold true for other industries.

Jobs for women have been steadily increasing from 1966 and onward. The ratio of jobs for men and women has almost evened at 50%. But does this mean that men still don't have economical advantages at the work place? If women tipped the balance on job totals would they start to receive fair pay? Are women pigeonholed into certain job positions and not able to move upwards in a company? According to a recent article on moneywatch women still earn 80 cents to a dollar for a man. But women make up 58% of the college population so as more women takeover male positions I believe the pay gap will continue to decrease. I also believe that as more women continue to take over these male positions there will be more opportunities to rise up the ranks in job position. I feel that overall the idea of male privilege in the workplace will keep decreasing until a certain point of balance.

http://moneywatch.bnet.com/economic-news/article/salary-checkup-is-the-gender-pay-gap-over/390638/?tag=video-meta-single;do-next

Zachary Lewkowicz
-Post 3 June 2-