University Students' Perceptions of Gender Discrimination in the Workplace: Reality Versus Fiction

Abstract

For 50 years, laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended in 1991, and the Equal Pay Act of 1963 have protected women from overt discrimination. Although gender inequity persists in today's workplace, its presence and effects continue to be underestimated by the relevant stakeholders. Informal observations have shown that college students consider themselves immune to gender discrimination. The authors sought to ascertain students' perceptions of anticipated gender discrimination. Findings suggest that students perceive gender discrimination as being of little consequence, and that they are likely to enter a gender-neutral workplace. These perceptions could have negative effects on organizations and employees, but education can be used to minimize these consequences.