Socio-cognitive factors hindering women's careers: An evolutionary psychological perspective

Filippo Ferrari

Chapter 19 in Feminist Perspectives in Business Studies, 2025, pp 413-428 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This conceptual study explores the under-representation of women in senior organizational roles, highlighting how unconscious behaviors stemming from evolutionary psychology contribute to this issue. Despite awareness of workplace discrimination against women, evolutionary psychology provides insights into how ancestral mechanisms, adapted for past environments, can result in modern-day dysfunctional behaviors such as conflict avoidance, excessive deference to authority, and impostor syndrome. These behaviors impede women's career advancement. This chapter emphasizes the necessity of understanding these evolutionary influences to develop targeted strategies for promoting gender diversity in leadership. By addressing evolutionary dissonances through mentorship, supportive workplace cultures, and inclusive policies, organizations can foster environments where women can thrive. Integrating evolutionary psychology with cross-cultural research underscores the role of cultural contexts in moderating these behaviors, offering a comprehensive framework for addressing gender disparities in the workplace.

Keywords: Evolutionary psychology; Gender diversity; Workplace dynamics; Career advancement; Unconscious behaviors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035335992
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