Cracked ceilings, firmer floors, and weakening walls: Trends and patterns in gender representation among executives leading American state agencies, 1970-2000

• 成果类型: Article; Proceedings Paper
• 署名作者: Bowling, Cynthia J.; Kelleher, Christine A.; Jones, Jennifer; Wright, Deil S.
• 署名单位: Auburn University System; Auburn University; Villanova University; University of North Carolina; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
• 刊物名称: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0033-3352
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6210.2006.00651.x
• 发表日期: 2006
• 页码: 823-836
• 关键词: active representation; local-government; women; bureaucracy; minorities; ADMINISTRATORS; advancement; POLITICS; leaders; profile

摘要

Trends of female access to and presence in responsible governmental positions have gained substantial attention. The research reported here assesses and seeks convergence on several issues associated with gender representation. It extends the research by focusing on top executive posts in American state governments. In particular the presence Of women agency heads in all 50 states is examined from 1970 through 2000 using the lenses of passive representativeness and active representation. The authors find, first, that women face fewer blockages in securing top posts-the glass ceilings are cracking. Second, women access to peak executive positions springs from more solid educational career, and organizational foundations or floors. Third, lateral career movements are penetrating the walls surrounding traditionally male-dominated agency types. The essay concludes with a framework for understanding relationships involving passive representativeness, active representation, and representative results. That framework assists in shifting attention toward the consequences of both passive and active representation.