2017•The Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Social TheoryRequires access
Glass Ceiling
Alec Clott
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Abstract
The “glass ceiling” illustrates a pattern of institutionalized sexism observed in the workplace, particularly among upper‐level management positions. Historically, men have had disproportionate access to upper‐level management positions. The glass ceiling describes the invisible barrier hindering women from entering high management positions that is not based in any differences of credentials or merits. Instead, the glass ceiling results from individualized sexism, exclusion from informal social networks, and the perpetuation of patriarchal culture.