Gender inequality in corporate Mexico: analysis of cognitive dissonance impeding social growth and development

Abstract

Mexican law is not only thorough but extensive on the matter of gender equality in corporations; however, rooted beliefs, ingrained traditions, and work feminisation and masculinisation are strong proponents of gender inequality. The study's general objective is to understand elements causing cognitive dissonance between gender equality legislature and firms' actions in Mexico. That is, is gender inequality in corporate Mexico due to lack of regulation, organisational compliance, structural inherencies, or national culture? This paper contributes to understanding gender inequality in business by analysing national culture, legislature, structural violence, and corporate practices. There is evidence of inequality in all walks of economic, political, social and cultural life in Mexico due to occupational segregation, gender pay gaps, and underrepresentation in top management. Cognitive dissonance causes an inverted effect, meaning, gender equality does not keep pace with legislation and while corporate Mexico deters gender equality, they are neither ethical nor engaging in CSR.