Women in male-dominated professions

Abstract

The problems faced by women pharmacists are discussed in relation to the literature on women in male-dominated fields. Subconscious stereotypes preclude the occurrence of true equality for women pharmacists in many hospitals. Some people have predicted that the clinical pharmacist role will be primarily filled by men since men are perceived to have the time commitment, aggressiveness, and rapport with physicians that is considered necessary for that role. Women in health professions are perceived to be dedicated to service and not self-interest, and people expect them to drop out of the labor force to raise families, thus obviating the need for promotions and salary increases. Research has shown that women in male-dominated fields place more importance on success values than do women in other fields. Fear of success, defined as anxiety about doing well when competing with men, can be a problem for women, particularly if they have a strong affiliative need. It is important that women in male-dominated professions become actively involved in professional organizations to facilitate their gaining a professional identity. In addition, these women need to be encouraged to seek out managerial positions and to be given a clearer understanding that being a manager can be combined with family and household responsibilities. People can eliminate stereotypes from their thinking only if, after they admit the stereotypes exist, they make a conscious effort to not treat women pharmacists on the basis of what women pharmacists have done in the past.