How to Close the Authority Gap | Mary Ann Sieghart | TED

TL;DR

The Authority Gap refers to the inherent bias towards men and the lack of recognition and authority accorded to women. Achieving gender equality benefits everyone and can lead to happier and healthier lives.

Transcript

at a conference a few years ago a man asked me what I did and I led a portfolio life so I just rattled off a list and I said well I write a political column for The Independent Newspaper I make radio programs for the BBC I chair a think tank I sit on a couple of commercial boards I'm on the Council of Tate modern and I am on the content Board of of... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧔‍♀️ The Authority Gap reflects the persistent bias against women, where men are assumed competent and women are assumed incompetent until proven otherwise.
• 🤦‍♀️ Men have six times more influence in group discussions than women, and women of color face even greater challenges in being recognized for their abilities.
• 🧔‍♀️ Achieving gender equality benefits everyone, leading to happier and healthier lives for both men and women.
• 🧠 Individuals can challenge their own biases, actively affirm women's ideas, and notice when their brains try to trick them with gender biases.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Employers must hire and promote based on merit, actively encourage talented women to apply for promotions, and increase female representation in their organizations.
• 🖐️ The media can play a significant role in challenging biases by featuring more female experts and protagonists, thus influencing societal perceptions.
• 🧔‍♀️ Closing the Authority Gap allows women to flourish, benefiting both men and the world as a whole.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the Authority Gap affect women in positions of power?

Women in positions of power, such as female justices on the US Supreme Court, face frequent interruptions and challenges by their male counterparts. The bias against women in authority positions persists even at the highest levels.

Q: What can individuals do to help close the Authority Gap?

Individuals can start by challenging their own biases and perceptions of women. It is important to actively listen to women and affirm their ideas in professional settings. Recognizing and calling out interruptions or dismissive behavior towards women can also make a difference.

Q: How can employers contribute to closing the Authority Gap?

Employers must ensure that they are hiring and promoting based on merit, rather than biases. Studies have shown that women with the same qualifications as men are less likely to be called for job interviews. Employers can actively encourage talented women to apply for promotions and increase female representation in their organizations.

Q: How can the media play a role in closing the Authority Gap?

The media plays a significant role in shaping societal perceptions. By featuring more female experts and protagonists, the media can challenge the idea that men are more authoritative and important. This can lead to a shift in biases and greater recognition of women's authority in all areas of life.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker shares personal experiences and research findings to highlight the persistent bias against women in various aspects of society.

• Men are often assumed to be competent until proven otherwise, while women are often seen as incompetent until proven otherwise.

• Closing the Authority Gap benefits not just women, but also men, leading to happier and healthier lives for all.