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

Authority Gap: Understanding Gender Dynamics

Introduction to the Authority Gap

• The discussion begins with a reference to various societal issues, hinting at the complexities surrounding gender dynamics and authority.

The Impact of Gender Equality

• Research indicates that narrowing the authority gap benefits everyone; as women rise in status, men do not necessarily fall but can also experience increased happiness and satisfaction.

• In more gender-equal environments, both men and women report higher levels of happiness and health. Children in these settings also perform better academically and socially.

Men's Well-being in Gender Equality

• Surprisingly, men are reported to be happier and healthier in gender-equal relationships. They show lower rates of depression, engage less in substance abuse, and enjoy better sexual relationships.

Solutions for Closing the Authority Gap

• Acknowledging that there are numerous solutions (140 identified), the focus should shift from fixing women to changing perceptions about them within society.

Addressing Internal Biases

• Women often exhibit biases against other women. An example is given regarding a female political leader whose voice led to underestimation of her capabilities. Awareness of such biases is crucial.

Promoting Women's Voices

• Encouraging active affirmation of women's contributions in discussions can help mitigate interruptions they face. This includes recognizing when a woman’s idea is overlooked until reiterated by a man.

Employer Responsibilities

The Authority Gap: Understanding Gender Bias in Hiring and Media

Gender Bias in Hiring Practices

• A study reveals that 70% of men rate male candidates higher than female candidates for identical achievements.

• Women with the same qualifications as men are 30% less likely to receive job interview invitations.

• Having only one woman on a shortlist significantly reduces her chances of being hired, reinforcing the perception that men are more suitable for roles.

The Impact of Representation on Hiring

• Increasing the number of women on shortlists dramatically improves hiring odds; adding just one more woman increases the likelihood by 79 times.

• Employers should actively encourage talented women to apply for promotions, as societal norms often lead women to be less self-promoting and confident than their male counterparts.

Confidence vs. Competence

• It is crucial not to confuse confidence with competence; they do not equate.

• Research indicates teenage boys are more likely than girls to feign understanding of complex concepts, showcasing a trend of overconfidence among males.

Overconfidence and Its Consequences

• Male overconfidence continues into adulthood, leading to biased hiring and promotion practices favoring less competent men over capable women.

• Media representation plays a significant role in perpetuating authority gaps by portraying men as more authoritative figures.

Media Representation and Its Effects

• Currently, men are quoted three times more often than women in news stories and twice as likely to be protagonists in films.

• The BBC's initiative for 50% female experts aims to shift perceptions and normalize women's authority in public spaces.

Closing the Authority Gap

• Addressing the authority gap benefits everyone; it leads to improved well-being and societal progress.

• As articulated by Mary McElise, without equal consideration for women, society operates ineffectively—like a bird trying to fly with one wing.