In a world in which men dominate leadership roles, should we focus on changing the systems and structures that favor men at women’s expense? Or should we emphasize the tactics individual women can use to get ahead?
“Lean In” Messages and the Illusion of Control
When it comes to gender inequities at work, is it best to focus on structural issues or tactical strategies? To explore this question, the authors conducted six studies with approximately 2,000 American participants who were randomly assigned to two conditions: One group read sections of Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In that emphasized the structural problems women face, such as discrimination. The second group read sections of the book that focused on individual, “DIY” solutions, such as acting more confidently or taking more risks. People exposed to the DIY messages were more likely to believe women have the power to solve the problem. However, they were also more likely to believe that women are responsible for the problem — both for causing it, and for fixing it.