Are you a victim of the “Bro Culture”?
Gender bias has been a long standing topic of conversation for every woman struggling to find themselves on the same platform and level as their male counterparts. There exists a deep, subconscious bias that men harbour against women who are assertive and confident. It stems from traditional and out-dated perceptions about men and women in every strata of society.
A constant presence of biased behaviour in a professional environment has social and financial implications in the workforce. When matters of gender bias surface, it is most of the times with regard to women being victims of discrimination at work. The inclusion of the bro culture has been a significant factor in influencing and sustaining the notion of a gender biased set of beliefs in today’s time and age. But what exactly is the bro culture?
A “Bro Culture” is the lens of false awareness through which individuals have viewed masculinity in recent times. It advocates a false sense of power and authority over “the weaker sex” and supports a belief that men are superior to women in every aspect.The bro culture serves as a clear reminder of the existing gender biased behaviour present in every section of society, and especially at the workplace.
However, many men and women continue to exist in a state of false consciousness. While some women are still oblivious to this and continue to accept the situation as is, others are clueless about their situation at work. Here are a few examples of bro culture at work -
Gender Pay Inequality
The gender pay gap is a strong indicator of perpetuating bro culture at work. Till date, women are still being paid 20 per cent less than their male colleagues at the same level. The gap has narrowed in recent times, mainly due to women’s progress in education and workforce participation, and men’s wages rising at a slower rate but is still largely present.
Positional Gender Bias
If both female and male colleagues are unable to equally climb the corporate ladder together, this is cause for alarm. Every employee regardless of their gender should be given the same opportunities for promotional purposes dependent on their experience, job performance, and skills. With regards to promotions as well, if any preference is given to males over females despite clear qualifications of the woman, it is indicative of the bro culture.
Sexual Harassment
If the presence of gender bias at a workplace is still not apparent, the occurrence of unwanted sexual inferences or advances is a clear sign of the same. While companies have conducted sexual harassment workshop or implement policies to curb the same, the number of sexual harassment charge is still the same.
Why is change essential?
Statistics have indicated that the gender pay gap in India increases with age. Women below the age of 30 earned 23.07% less than men, while those in the age group of 30-40 years earned 30.24% less than men. There's a clear gap in growth charts in a career for a man and woman in India. Additionally, educational qualifications also play a role in increasing this wage gap.
The inequality women face at the workplace is not only apparent in urban circles but also in rural portions as well. In rural India, the average salary received by regular employees was 428.66 per day for women compared with 550.23 per day for males (during 2011-12). The discrepancy—609.7 and 805.52 per day for women and men respectively—was evident in urban areas too.
There are many possible ways to reduce this bro culture approach at work. One can be establishing a non-discrimination policy against inappropriate treatment in the workplace. Educating staff on the subconscious bias, sexual harassment and discrimination will help minimise unsuitable activities. Reviewing hiring and promotion practices to rectify policies and promoting diversity and inclusion of every gender must be established to ensure that everyone is treated equally and without prejudice.
Understanding the implications of gender bias, must be followed with training and reviewing to reduce the bro culture and unfair employment practices at work.
Healthcare Sales Business Leader | Strategic Partnerships | Key/Corporate Account Mgmt | Large Account Management | Sales Strategy | Business Transformation | Values team play | Creative Implementer |Project Management
7 年Ameera, glad you tookbup this topic. However, most multinational organisations are investing in TALENT , irrespective of the gender. Also , now, organisations hold periodic trainings to infuse harmony and coordination amongst both sexes at work to inculcate a culture of productivity which is non gender bised. Yes, it's true that *pay gaps*still exist in some businesses , but organisations which are global , particularly, are doing their bit to ensure they bridge this gap , the sooner , the better .
High-Growth Strategist | Product/Brand Evangelist | Building teams | Mentor | Certified Independent Director IDDB-NR-202305-048646
7 年I agree on some views but disagree on few. Today times have changed, women are getting good salaries...good positions. Organizations have moved to provide facilities for women for child care, medical assistance etc...drives to ensure sexual harassment. Today anyone whether it a man or woman, he/she has to prove the worth in a organization to get the best whether salary or position. India is continuously improving in this field but yes not completely out of it.
PhD (Sch.) at ICMR - National Institute of Immunohaematology.
7 年I disagree! It was never been in this country that women was thought of doing less and hence being paid less.. Infact women get privilege of more benefits if she is doing good in her job. We have to accept that god has made both the sex different and so have their own limitations. Don't confuse people with statistics basically it is a matter of individual choice. Men gets agree to do whatever they have been asked to do. Where as women basically see their comfort first. If you think the situation is so drastic, why can't the reflection could not be seen in your own business. Your core business team comprise majority of Males! Oh! Come on.. let say all male culprits! You are a female, then why don't you prefer females. The major work of the your company is driven by MEN's and not by Women's. So whether you too are promoting the so called "Bro Culture"? Your Marketing to Logistics all teams are of MEN's in majority. Give the women's a bit extra and promote women. Your Majority of the business lies in cities and the areas where these people has to visit is women friendly (Hospitals, Clinics & Laboratories), So why all your logistics team comprise of Men? promote Females..! Coming to rural side, When a majdoor is required for farming in a farm.. The owner won't see whether the employee is a male or female. Both males and females are paid equal wages their. It depends upon the involvement. I am neither your past, present or future employee. But whatever you have written is not acceptable. I like you Ameera Shah , not because just because you are a bold beautiful WOMEN but for your passion, ability, the decision making power, and the sense that you are having for running a successful business. I would rather say I love you for that!