Thoughts After Reading Lean In

Women in the past were often limited in the educational opportunities available to them.  They were often expected to dress certain ways, sometimes sexually in the workplace.  Some women were forced or pressured into sexually compromising positions, such as “entertaining” male clients.  Women were subjected to blatant sexual harassment.  Women were also limited to certain careers, such as teachers, nurses, and secretaries.  Even though some of these things still happen today, they are not as prevalent and out in the open.  I am most happy that education and career opportunities are more open now than they have been in the past. 

Girls are taught to be polite and lady like, to like dolls, and playing house and things like that.  Boys are taught to be tough, defend themselves, and to play with “boy” toys like cars, action figures, etc.  A boy’s parents usually dissuade their son from playing with dolls or dressing in pink.  Girls may not speak up for themselves because they feel they are supposed to be good, polite, and subservient, while boys can be aggressive and think it is okay.  Girls and boys may choose careers that are dominated by their gender, rather than looking at all available options for careers.  

Successful women are often seen as mean, bossy, and even bitchy.  I was shocked about the Heide/Howard experiment.  In this experiment, men and women were given the exact same resume, with only the first name changed to be a male or female.  The female was seen in a negative light, while the male was seen in only positive ways.  I am glad the experiment was done because it shows people’s true biases, even though we may have trouble seeing our own biases.  

I learned a lot from reading Lean In.  I was able to read it very fast because the book was an easy read and relatable.  I feel like every woman needs to read this book to be better prepared for the workforce.  The advice Sheryl Sandberg gives is invaluable.  I identified with the concept about “don’t leave before you leave.”  Sandberg talks about how many women will think about their personal plans for the future and not strive for career aspirations due to potential conflicts down the road.  For example, women may not work toward jobs or positions that may interfere with plans for getting married or having a baby and raising a family that are in the distant future.  This sometimes happens before a young woman is even seriously dating someone.  The whole point of this concept is to give your full effort for your long term career aspirations and don’t hold back before it is absolutely necessary.  I also enjoyed Sandberg’s discussion on a married woman’s partnership with her spouse.  When married, spousal support is key to accomplishing career goals.  It will be less stressful if household and childcare duties are shared.  This leaves more time and energy available to work and a true partnership in marriage.

Works Cited

Sandberg, Sheryl. Lean In. Alfred A. Knopf, 2013.