International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 3 (May-June 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of June to publish your research paper in the issue of May-June.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling: A Qualitative Study on Gender-Based Career Advancement Barriers across Job Sectors

Author(s) Dr. Jolly K James
Country India
Abstract This study investigates the manifestation of the glass ceiling in five sectors: manufacturing, technology, finance, healthcare, and education. Employing a qualitative approach, it explores industry-specific factors that either exacerbate or mitigate the glass ceiling, assesses perceived hurdles to women's progression in leadership positions, and examines strategies employed by women who have successfully navigated these challenges. The research also evaluates the efficacy of existing organizational strategies aimed at promoting career advancement and gender equality. For this study, purposive sampling was utilized, and data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings demonstrate a lingering "double glass ceiling" caused by societal and structural obstacles that are exacerbated by localized biases and micro-inequities. The study found significant inter-sectionality effects, where age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status exacerbate problems. While certain obstacles are shared by all industries, each one has unique difficulties. The study identifies effective strategies for career advancement, including ongoing skill development, mentoring, and strategic networking. However, there seems to be a big gap between understanding policies and using them effectively. This thorough analysis offers insights for focused interventions and policy recommendations to promote more equitable work environments, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of gender inequality in career advancement across diverse job sectors.
Keywords Glass Ceiling, Career Advancement, Sector-specific Barriers, Women in Leadership, Gender Bias
Published In Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2025
Published On 2025-04-30
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.43104
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9g76k

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