The gender gap looks more like a chasm in business and politics today — surprising in 2012. Today, I’m going to share some video evidence of that gender chasm.
Political Gender Chasm Video Evidence
While this is not a political website and I try to keep the content as non-partisan as possible, the video evidence below is included, not because it attacks Republicans, but rather because it sheds light on issues that should not be political at all — yet they’re topics greatly debated among men at the highest levels of government in the United States.
First, a video from Funny or Die that uses humor to call attention to just how big the gender gap is in the U.S. Congress.
Unfortunately, the gender chasm in business is just as big. As a result, not only do women get paid less than men and receive fewer executive and board positions, but they also get products and advertising that are created by men. Research has shown again and again that women make or influence over 70% of purchase decisions, but for some reason, companies continue to churn out products and ads that are irrelevant, condescending, or offensive to women.
Business Gender Chasm Video Evidence
The next piece of video evidence comes from maxipad brand Bodyform was created in response to a comment made by a man on the brand’s Facebook Page. That comment is shown below.
The humorous video response makes it clear that maxipad commercials are not made for women despite the fact that women are the audience who purchases and uses them. The evidence of the gender chasm in business cannot be denied.
You can find these types of examples everywhere, but the gender chasm in business and politics shows no signs of closing until the gender makeup of political and business leadership becomes equal (or at least closer to being equal). Amanda Fox of Spicie wrote a great article that discusses this subject and more called You Want a Strong Economy? Strong Women Will Deliver It! (If You Let Them). It’s well worth the read!
What do you think? Is the gender chasm in business and politics going to close in our lifetimes? In our daughters’ lifetimes?
Susan Gunelius
Susan Gunelius is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women on Business. She is a 30-year veteran of the marketing field and has authored a dozen books about marketing, branding, and social media, including the highly popular Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing, 30-Minute Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing for Dummies, Blogging All-in-One for Dummies and Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps. Susan’s marketing-related content can be found on Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, MSNBC.com, BusinessWeek.com, and more. Susan is President & CEO of KeySplash Creative, Inc., a marketing communications company. She has worked in corporate marketing roles and through client relationships with AT&T, HSBC, Citibank, Intuit, The New York Times, Cox Communications, and many more large and small companies around the world. Susan also speaks about marketing, branding and social media at events around the world and is frequently interviewed by television, online, radio, and print media organizations about these topics. She holds an MBA in Management and Strategy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC).
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Susan, you have nailed this issue squarely on the head. Although we know that women control the bulk of spending decisions and are increasingly the breadwinners, we are not addressed in that manner by our elected officials or even advertising firms as you have pointed out. I think we are on the cusp of seeing more demonstrable change than we have in the past, but it will only happen if we make it happen. And I do believe we are more and more each quarter vs each year or so as it seemed to be for so long. Women are a force in business in greater numbers than ever before and with that comes the ability to enact change. Thank you very much for the citation as well.
I completely agree, Amanda, and I’m so happy to have found you and Spicie today!
The “Funny or Die” video wasn’t even funny! It’s confusing – I thought Democrats were all about diversity and women’s equality… I need a shower. 🙂
BTW – I came across this website in my research on a paper I have to write for a college course “Cross Cultural Management”. I want to write the paper on the impact of gender on leadership style. The political climate and the media will definitely have a part in the paper!