What Is Workplace Gender Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination can take many forms but when it comes to gender discrimination in the workplace it most commonly presents itself as unequal pay, harassment or sexual misconduct, problematic hiring practices, and one gender having disproportionate positions of power or leadership roles. Women have faced these acts of discrimination for decades and although the general perception is that there has been progress made, the reality is that we have not come very far from where we were 40 years ago. Women still only earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. Even more concerning, is that the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) found that in the USA, women's average earned income is only 64.8% of men's earned income. And in 2017, the GGGI found that the income gap between men and women is actually widening. These facts are often acknowledged as something to be angry about, but what some people may not understand is that these forms of discrimination have serious health implications for many women as well.
What are the Health Impacts of Gender Discrimination in the Workplace?
1. Anxiety & Depression. A study conducted in 2016 by Columbia University found that women who had the same levels of education, experience, and job level as men, but who made less than their male counterparts, where 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and 2.4 times more likely to suffer from depression than their male counterparts. This finding was true across all levels of income. For example, even if a woman makes an excellent salary, if she is making less than a male in the same position with the same experience and level of education, she is more likely to have depression and/or to experience anxiety.
2. Feeling Devalued and Helpless. Part of why women who make less than males in their role are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, is that the very nature of this discriminatory act communicates a message that women are less valuable then men. Over time, receiving this message repeatedly, women can start to feel like they do not have as much to offer, and their self-esteem and sense of self-worth may be affected. Additionally, a sense of helplessness can develop. If a woman has done everything she could to advance her training and education, and continues to work hard without the reward of equal pay, then she may begin to experience a sense of helplessness to change her situation. Helplessness is a significant component of depression, and when people feel helpless they are much more susceptible to depression and anxiety.
3. Increased Levels of Long Term Stress Can Impact Physical Health. Experiencing heightened levels of stress chronically can have significant impacts on physical health. High levels of stress over time keeps cortisol high which can affect multiple systems in the body. Many women have to go to work everyday knowing that they will be in an environment with a person who has harassed them in some way or another. Whether the woman is treated as a personal assistant when she is really an executive, or whether someone comments on her bodily appearance, to having someone else take credit for her ideas, to flat out assault. Any one of these situations can result in states of stress. If you will, imagine a feeling of waking up and feeling dread and a pit in the center of your belly as you think about having to go to work. If this feeling continues over time, it can result in gastrointestinal problems, weight gain, can contribute to increased smoking and drinking or other problematic behaviors, and increased cortisol over time weakens one's immune system.
4. Impact on Family Life. Women who experience depression and or anxiety in relation to workplace discrimination may have a difficult time coping in their personal lives as well. The depression or anxiety doesn't just occur in the workplace. Even if a woman is not depressed or anxious but is very stressed out by the discrimination, it can still impact her family life. Women may become preoccupied with their thoughts about the workplace discrimination and may have a difficult time attending to their personal relationships. This can be especially tricky if the woman is a mother of a young child. The result of the woman being discriminated against can manifest as depression, emotional and mental preoccupation, physical symptoms due to stress, and anxiety, all of which can impact the way in which she relates to her children, and other family members. Negative interruptions in the mother-child bond or attachment can be harmful to the child.
Make a Change!
If you are experiencing gender workplace discrimination, you might want to research whether or not your organization has a diversity and inclusion department or representative. If not, look into what other human resources are available. Sometimes it may feel easier to ignore the problem, however, taking action is a coping mechanism that can result in positive emotions, such as a sense of control, Active coping can also help combat a sense of powerlessness or helplessness, and is a significant part of dealing with depression, anxiety, and stress. If you are frightened of addressing the discrimination, this speaks to how problematic the situation and you may want to seek legal counsel. Additionally, it is important to find a source of support if you are finding that workplace gender discrimination is affecting your mental and or physical health. Speak to a mental health professional who can help you work through this difficult situations.
References
Platt, J., Prins, S., Bates, L., & Keyes, K. (2016). Unequal depression for equal work? How the wage gap explains gender disparities in mood disorders. Social Science & Medicine, 149, pp 1-8.