Discuss the meaning of this statement: “Gender biases can be particularly detrimental in the decision-making processes for selecting elite leaders, given that the generally unstructured nature of those decisions allows biased decisions without accountability.”

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Because gender biases are so pervasive and largely affect attitudes and behavior on an unconscious level, they can easily influence those who are in a position to select new leaders without those individuals even realizing their biases. Elite leadership positions, due to their extreme authority and visibility, are often perceived as more stereotypically masculine than other leadership positions. Gender biases against women as being too communal and feminine for the position, or not feminine enough to be attractive and likeable, can easily occur when a woman is considered for such a position. Furthermore, elite leaders are often chosen “behind closed doors” by a select group or by their predecessors, with little accountability to ensure that a fair decision has been made. Without external accountability, it is easy for male selectors to engage in homosocial reproduction and favor candidates similar to themselves. When hiring selections are made on the basis of “personally knowing” a candidate’s ability through social networks, women are at a significant disadvantage to men due to a widespread lack of female mentors in leadership positions and because women often are not presented the same socializing opportunities as their male colleagues.