This document discusses gender issues faced by black women in the workplace. It notes that black women experience intersectional discrimination due to sexism, racism, and harmful stereotypes. The document explores various topics related to gender communication and power dynamics in social institutions like the workplace, including the gender pay gap, sexual harassment, stereotypes of masculine and feminine emotions, and historical restrictions on what types of jobs different groups could hold. It questions whether equality has been fully achieved in the workplace.

1. Gender Communication in
Social Institutions: Work
Katie Jones CMS 498
December 8, 2012

2. Gender/Sex Issues at the Work Place…who
is most vulnerable?

3. Answer: The Black Woman
• WHY?
• Intersectionality;
• Sexism
• Racism
• Stereotypes

4. Is this work?
*YES!
*Men and women stay at home
as parents.
*For the most part, our culture thinks
works is outside of the home.
*What is your work ethic? Do you not have one if you are on
welfare?
*Blue vs. White collar work…do we think of work as masculine?

5. Is this work? Do we have enough jobs
for everyone?

6. Most People think of this as “Work”

7. It’s hard to balance family & work no matter
who you are and what you do!
*Finding perfect balance is key to a happy family life

8. Equality in the Workplace?

9. He has a great work ethic! What about
welfare mothers, do they?

10. Sexual Harassment
• Hostile Work Environment
• “Girl Watching”
• Sexual Joking
• Sexual Orientation
• Not a woman’s only issue
• Interpretation?
• Race & Harassment
• Sexual Harassment Laws
ALL the above matters!

11. “Power” Pay
Is there still a gap in pay for men vs.
women? YES! How far have we come?

12. Do men gossip?

13. More than just Sex Difference
• Masculine emotions
• Feminine emotions
• Stereotypes
• Gossip
• Socialization

14. Emotions at Work
• Who do you think is more emotional at work? Men or
Women?
• There really is no difference, just what one may think is an
“emotional expression”, may vary.

15. Look at her, happily working! Or is she?

16. These two are a great team! At least their
boss thinks so…

17. Does he think he is being harassed?

18. Why are you looking at me like that, Mr. Bossman?
Yes, I want to move up in the company but…

19. Work & Education
• Is there a link?
• Yes, power struggles in school can set back future work
experiences.
• Organizational division
(race, gender/sex, class, etc.)

20. Who has what Jobs?
• Do all women stay at home?
• Are all black women maids?
• Do all men work in construction?
• Are all women teachers and nurses?
• Are prison guards all male?
Of course not but historically things were different and certain
groups of people were controlled and powerless in what type of job
they could have. Do you think this still occurs???

21. Had enough?

22. Work can be Empowering!
• Economic Independence
• Self Esteem
• Can build solid families

23. Sources:
• DeFrancisco & Palczewski:
Communicating Gender Diversity
(2007). Sage Publications, Inc.