Читать книгу Counseling the Contemporary Woman - Suzanne Degges-White - Страница 89

As noted, women in the workforce are explored in more detail in chapter 8. However, it is worth noting in this chapter that regardless of their preparation and training, some women face unexpected challenges in the workplace due to such things as sexism and ageism, among other factors. Nelson, Sendroiu, Dinovitzer, and Dawe (2019) pointed out that traditionally marginalized groups will perceive discrimination more often than other groups. Additionally, women who have children tend to perceive discrimination in the workplace at a higher rate than other women and even men with children (Kay & Wallace, 2009). Stereotyping continues to be an issue that contributes to workplace discrimination and often goes unchecked and unaddressed (Nelson et al., 2018). Even if discrimination is occurring in the workplace it can be hard to prove due to narrow legal definitions. For women, this often results in the lack of opportunities to advance careers, lack of credit for ideas, and the sense they must perform at a much higher standard than their male colleagues and peers (Fink, 2018).

The workplace expectations can be confusing and frustrating for women. Women are expected to fit into workplaces that were designed for men. The structured system of workplaces requires that women find a way to fit into these environments and when they do, they often are not well received. Women are then stuck in a catch-22 when they face the possibility of being fired for demonstrating stereotypically male behaviors (Ballakrishnen, Fielding-Singh, & Magliozzi, 2019). Some women may then tend to maintain a low profile doing their jobs but not in a way that makes them noticed when it comes to promotions. For emerging adult women, figuring out and navigating the workplace can be challenging.

Emerging adults are in the midst of a busy time of life. Not only are they focused on solidifying their adult identities, they are also navigating the world of work and multiple relationships. There are multiple jokes about the trepidation that this age group has about “adulting,” but it can be a daunting task to balance work along with family relationships, friendships, and romantic partnerships. These are just a few of the potential areas of concern that an emerging adult woman might present to her counselor.