Advancement for Women in Hierarchical Organizations: A Multilevel Analysis of Problems and Prospects

Abstract

Women's problems and prospects for advancement to upper level positions in hierarchical organizations are analyzed within a five-level framework of social organization. The five levels are (1) societal; (2) institutional; (3) organizational; (4) role; and (5) individual. Corresponding units of analysisfor each level are identified and discussed. To illustrate the framework, two problems confronting women are identified for each level, along with possible corrective actions. Conclusions are that (1) fundamental change in women's status in hierarchical work organizations will require simultaneous efforts on all five levels of social organization; (2) change in any realm requires political action against ideological justifications and claims for women's exclusion; and (3) the division of labor between the sexes in relation to work and child/family/home responsibilities must change before women can receive equitable treatment in the workplace. The authors call for more research on the interrelations between influences and factors across levels of social organization.