A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What term describes the fewer women in managerial and senior roles within workplaces?

1. Glass ceiling

2. Gender inequality

3. Vertical segregation

4. Gender disparity

The correct answer is: Vertical segregation

The term that describes the fewer women in managerial and senior roles within workplaces is "vertical segregation." Vertical segregation refers to the hierarchical separation of jobs within an organization, where certain roles or levels are dominated by a particular gender. In this context, it highlights the underrepresentation of women in higher-level positions, illustrating the barriers that prevent women from advancing in their careers compared to their male counterparts. While terms like "glass ceiling" also relate to barriers faced by women, it specifically refers to the invisible barriers that prevent women from reaching the very top levels of management, without necessarily encompassing the broader structural context of job lattices. "Gender inequality" is a broader term that refers to the unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender, which can manifest in many ways beyond just workplace hierarchy. "Gender disparity" indicates a difference between genders in various contexts, such as pay or opportunity, but does not specifically address the hierarchical structure of positions within organizational contexts. Vertical segregation thus emphasizes the specific issue of fewer women occupying higher managerial and senior roles, making it the most fitting term for this scenario.