Media Illustration: Work Constructs (and Constrains) Gender

A few weeks ago I purchased a new television which had several “apps” on it.  Shortly after, I found myself signing up for the one month trial to Netflix in order to max out my tv viewing experience.  Since then I found several tv series to begin following.  30 Rock became my favorite and it became evident that gender inequalities in the workplace were seen throughout the series.  Since chapter 9 is focused on work and the effects of gender/sex in the workplace this seemed a fitting media example to use.    

In the series 30 Rock there are numerous example of class, race and gender/sex issues of inequality in the workplace.  The text highlights that there are certain perceptions in organizations which lead one to believe that a sex/gender neutral, abstract worker is still envisioned as a male.  This can cause issues in organizational structures and policies which tend to focus on advancing the traditional, male worker.  The most obvious discrepancy among workers is unequal pay.  Women and minorities are seen to earn less than white males in almost all industries.  It is not argued this finding is incorrect, but there is not one method which has been able to successfully rid of these pay discrepancies.  

Joan Acker presents 5 reasons why gender is given attention in organizations, and in doing so came to the conclusion that they are “intersecting processes that make issues of power, control, and dominance gendered” (p. 208).  These qualities are associated with males and it is no surprise that with their strength and power men would objectify sexuality in the workplace.  I have found that men are typically portayed in the media as being sexually harassing towards women and this mentality is then reflected in the workplace.  Some quotes from the text I found interesting were:

• “the way in which gender is done in organizational work settings continues to constrain women insofar as the way in which men and women socially construct each other at work affects their work experiences, and this tends to impair women workers’ identities and confidence” (p. 208)
• “multiple masculinities and femininities exist, and people practice, and are held accountable to, specific kinds depending on their bodies (health, attractiveness), class, race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, nation, and other social statuses” (p. 208)

After reading the Work Constructs (and Constraints) Gender section of chapter 9 it was evident I should use a clip from the 1st season’s 4th episode of the show 30 Rock.  In this episode Cerie’s wardrobe choices are questioned by Liz, but the males in the office are okay with her skimpy clothing.  They also show their power over Liz in handling the situation through using attractiveness and age as factors which they use to maintain control of the office.  This is seen through their negative responses to Liz’s make-over at the end of the episode.