GB 772 - Power, Privilege, and Professional Identity

(3.00 cr.)

Prerequisite: All foundation courses and GB 705 . Today's workforce leadership is still predominantly white and male. The glass ceiling is a metaphor that describes barriers that prevent women and minorities from attaining high level positions in organizations. The barriers-both individual and organizational-that prevent particular employees from shattering the glass ceiling are examined. Readings include articles that describe legal responses to race and gender discrimination in employment; how women and men balance the demands of labor market work and family life; why white Americans are reluctant to acknowledge their privilege; ways in which privileged women oppress less privileged women; and how masculinity shapes leadership styles organizations value. Students are encouraged to develop a professional identity that acknowledges and helps remedy disparities in power and privilege. Closed to students who have taken Glass Ceiling as a topic under GB 770 or GB 797 .