Sex bias in performance evaluations has been found in laboratory research as well as in a variety of organizational settings. To explore the effects of hiring practices on performance evaluations and other personnel decisions in an experimental analog of affirmative action, 154 female undergraduates rated a fictitious male or female college…

Few researchers have examined employee attitudes toward affirmative action and equal employment programs. To examine both the attitudes of various groups within one organization toward Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and ideas concerning specific programs suggested by these same groups, corporate employees (N=1,791--or 53% of those surveyed)…

An evaluation study was conducted to determine the effects of a two day Equal Opportunity Workshop held at the Aerospace Corporation in 1980. Information gathered before and after the workshop regarding participants' attitudes in three areas: (1) human relations; (2) status quo vs. changes in the company affirmative action practice; and (3) sexism…

The role of an affirmative action officer is seen to be an effective link between sociological theory/research and practice. The author describes her experience as the affirmative action officer at Lehigh University by citing origins, functions, strains, and conflicts surrounding the position. She was able to test theories about power, conflict,…

This paper examines the unequal status of women in academic life from the ideological framework of the women's movement and issues a call to action to change this position. The paper discusses the following issues: (1) persons in the majority culture highlight the differences between them and the minority by exaggerating their culture; (2) the…

The power of Black women is discussed in terms of their progress in society so far, their current predicaments, and possibilities for the future. The progress of Black women is seen in their survival, the greater numbers of Black women in nontraditional roles, and the competence and qualities with which they perform in those roles. Four…

This paper consists of 16 suggestions for retaining nontraditional students in classes in which it is unusual for them to participate. Emphasis is on female students in traditionally all-male fields, such as trade and industrial courses. Some of the suggestions are the following: (1) have more than one nontraditional student in a class; (2) give…

This paper outlines a holistic approach to the introduction of multicultural teacher education in an institution centrally committed to combating prejudice in its policies, procedures, and practices. The components of a holistic approach are described as: (1) discourse with the community; (2) the preparation of a policy statement; (3) recruitment…

Noting that both boys and girls suffer because of gender bias in society and in the classroom, this paper examines the roots and consequences of such bias. The paper first provides a historical overview of gender bias and its relation to the prevalent world view. Next, it examines the manifestations of gender bias in the classroom and their…

Advanced graduate students enrolled in a management course conducted thirty-four structured interviews at a major multi-million-dollar Houston-based oil company. Approximately fifty open-ended questions were asked the respondents over topics related to sex roles in the organization, including employee interactions, secretarial roles, work-related…

This study applied feminist organizational theory to explore the effects of gender structure on perceptions of organizational culture and climate. The study used data from a 1994 survey of permanent, noninstructional staff at a major midwestern university (n=4,800). The research sought to determine: (1) whether gender-dominated organizational…