"Women often faced gender inequality in the workplace with such problems as the "glass ceiling" and the "revolving door". Is this happening in Jamaica today?

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

One should give praise when praise is due. Moreover, I think it would only be appropriate to show gratitude where necessary. Therefore, I must say thank you to the following persons.

Firstly, to my subject teacher who provided guidance and support throughout the research period.

My parents who provided encouragement and proof-read the report.

To those who took time out to complete the questionnaires I thank you. In accordance with your wishes, I assure you, scrupulous care has been taken to maintain your anonymity.

Last but by no means least (saving the best for last) to God who gave me the inspiration to commence and the motivation to complete this paper; with whom all things are possible.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HEADINGS _ PAGE

Acknowledgement 2
Topic And Problem Statement 4
Introduction And Purpose Of Research 5
Literature Review 6
Data Collection Sources 9
Presentation Of Findings 10
Interpretation Of Findings 15
Discussion 16
Conclusion, Limitations And Recommendations 18
Bibliography 20
Appendices 21

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TOPIC AND PROBLEM STATEMENT

“Women often faced gender inequality in the workplace with such problems as the “glass ceiling” and the “revolving door”.

Is this happening in Jamaica today? If so, to what extent and if not, what steps forward have been made by women in that regard?

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF RESEARCH

Gender discrimination and inequality have been a hot topic for working, independent women. Through the years, women have fought for equal rights as men in the workplace and have had many a victory. However, it has been said by some that the victories won only come from battles and not from the war. In other words, improvements made have been small. Although women have managed to attain high posts in the workplace and even receive higher or same pays as their male counterparts, these successes have been found only in the minority. Those who have made it ‘to the top’ still seem to face gender discrimination. Women have been found to face problems such as the ‘glass ceiling’ and the revolving door’.

It must be noted however that this information comes from books and articles that are at least 10 to 40 years old. These books and articles also refer in their arguments only (or mostly) to the United States and Europe. Very little is said about the Caribbean in this regard and it is not truly known whether Caribbean (and in particular Jamaican) women have surpassed these obstacles and have made any improvements.

It is through this paper, therefore, that this writer will attempt to enlighten the reader on the current situation of women – Caribbean women – in the workplace. This paper will regard particularly, their level of authority and the, positions or jobs most women hold. This paper will also seek to give explanations to the data found therein.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Women, in times past and even presently have been speaking of equal rights in the home, in the church, but most importantly, in the workplace….

Over 40 years ago, sociologist Hellen Hacker was among the first to suggest that women did not receive benefits in the workplace equal to those of men. Writing during the economic boom following World War 2 when two (or one and a half) incomes were being required to support an increasingly affluent lifestyle: Hacker observes that women ...