A FATHER and his son are in a car accident. The father is killed and the son is seriously injured. The son is taken to the hospital where the surgeon says, “I cannot operate, because this boy is my son.”
This little brain-teaser is the opening line in a New York Times article on gender stereotypes. They report that 40-75% of people can’t figure it out.
I read it and easily came to a conclusion: The boy had two fathers. Gay men are becoming parents more quickly, so that’s not really all that far-fetched at all.
Then, I read the next paragraph before my own gender bias hit me. That surgeon is the boy’s MOTHER. What does it say when it was easier for me to conclude that the child had gay parents, instead of concluding that a surgeon could be a woman?! I’m embarrassed to admit it, but it illustrates an important point.
I devote a lot of time and resources to advocating for women and amplifying the voices of women and girls. I’m a board member of The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio. I, more than most, should know that women are surgeons. Yet, my own subconscious gender bias prevented me from reaching this conclusion. (At the same time, I’m kind of proud of myself that I didn’t think twice before realizing two men could be this boy’s parents!)
Just knowing gender bias exists isn’t enough:
When more women lead, performance improves. Start-ups led by women are more likely to succeed; innovative firms with more women in top management are more profitable; and companies with more gender diversity have more revenue, customers, market share and profits.
A comprehensive analysis of 95 studies on gender differences showed that when it comes to leadership skills, although men are more confident, women are more competent.
To break down the barriers that hold women back, it’s not enough to spread awareness. If we don’t reinforce that people need — and want — to overcome their biases, we end up silently condoning the status quo.
And, that’s exactly why articles, research and conversations about gender norming, gender bias and gender roles are critical — yes, even still today. Much progress has been made, but it’s not enough. A little food for thought to start the week. Onward.