Episode Seven: The Double Bind

In this episode we discuss a phenomenon termed the "double bind" or the "corporate tightrope". At its simplest, the double bind that women face results from the fact that we have all been taught that the base case or natural leader is male. This leads to problems with how women are perceived when they lead. More specifically, we have been taught that men lead, men take charge, they are strong, decision and assertive. Women on the other hand are caregivers, we are nurturing, we are emotional, we are communicative. These are stereotypes that we've been taught to believe, even in the face of empirical evidence to the contrary. And while these stereotypes persist, women are left in a double bind: if we exhibit what are viewed as male leadership attributes, such as taking charge, we may be viewed as competent, but we will be disliked. Whereas if we conform to the female stereotypes and are caring, we will be liked but viewed as less competent. Hence the double bind: whatever we do, we're screwed. We can be likeable or competent but not both and often neither. We discuss our own experiences of the double bind and strategies to challenge it. *** As always, The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word. The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com  Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex. Useful links: https://www.catalyst.org/research/infographic-the-double-bind-dilemma-for-women-in-leadership/, https://www.catalyst.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The_Double_Bind_Dilemma_for_Women_in_Leadership_Damned_if_You_Do_Doomed_if_You_Dont.pdf https://www.npr.org/2016/10/18/498309357/too-sweet-or-too-shrill-the-double-bind-for-women https://genderbiasbingo.com/double-bind/#.YlhL0MhByUk https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebekahbastian/2019/03/08/personality-based-performance-reviews-are-fine-to-give-women-as-long-as-men-get-them-too/ https://www.google.com/amp/s/fortune.com/2014/08/26/performance-review-gender-bias/amp/ https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace