It is commonly known that one of the few professions where women predominate over males is human resources.Although it is simple to invoke numerous outdated preconceptions and form generalizations regarding the causes of this, do the statistics and industry analysis support the rationale being put forth?
As a result of their greater empathy and superior people abilities, women are supposedly more naturally suited for the field of human resources.However, this simplification seems excessive to many serious HR specialists.The existence of a genetic predisposition for the function and the significance of this propensity are fiercely contested issues.
79% of the members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) are women.As the industry’s governing organization, the membership statistics give a good picture of the UK’s HR sector as a whole.
In an industry where women make up such a large majority of the workers, there is still some inequality in the more senior positions, where males, despite the fact that they are underrepresented in HR, appear to be highly expressed.
Is the solution found in HR’s past?
The late 1800s are the earliest known period for HR-related positions.
These people were known as welfare workers, and their main duty was to look after women and kids at work.All of these welfare workers were female because the position was primarily designed to help mothers and children.We didn’t start to see an expansion of the function to encompass recruitment and training until the two world wars.
It is obvious that the history of human resources is closely related to the history of women in the workforce during the past century or so, but given how long ago this time period was, it seems unlikely that this preconception would still be prevalent in the sector now.
Does education influence girls’ interest in HR?
About 80% of those pursuing postgraduate HRM degrees are women.
In stark contrast, only 9% of the workforce in a field like engineering is made up of women.
Instead of majoring in STEM fields, where women are underrepresented, the majority of graduates who enter the HR field typically have a background in disciplines that are more popular with women.
It is impossible to determine how much cultural variables influence our educational decisions.Only recently have we begun to completely grasp the significance of socialization in character formation.
It can be energizing to recall that in 1970, there were 13:1 more men than women who were regarded as having high mathematics talent than there are today.The ordinary woman hasn’t suddenly become much better at math, but our society is getting closer than ever to ensuring that all kids have equal access to education.
Is reputation put before truth?
The overall opinion of the industry is another element that could potentially be crucial.
We all want to love our jobs and have the chance to advance.
Young women may well be lured to the field for this reason alone, but some young men may be turned off, as the gender gap in HR is a topic that is frequently discussed.A self-reinforcing and self-fulfilling prophecy would result from this.The opposite may also be true in other fields, like computer programming, where males predominate.
Should we even be having this conversation?
Some people believe that the fact that women dominate the HR field should be simply left alone.Is this discussion really necessary, given the continued underrepresentation of women in so many fields?
The next generation of young professionals is more inclined to agree that diversity should be a corporate imperative because the modern workplace is growing more varied.
Since it is the responsibility of HR to address diversity concerns, we should be able to appeal to individuals from a variety of ethnic origins and gender identities by highlighting the good aspects of the sector, encouraging more people to pursue careers in it.Regardless of the gender disparity in HR, what really matters is how well the job is being done.
Even if inclusive workplaces are advantageous for all parties involved, maintaining employment still depends on a company’s profitability.Therefore, regardless of gender, we should all seek the greatest candidates for any position.
The late 1801s are the earliest known period for HR-related positions.
These people were known as welfare workers, and their main duty was to look after women and kids at work.All of these welfare workers were female because the position was primarily designed to help mothers and children.We didn’t start to see an expansion of the function to encompass recruitment and training until the two world wars.
It is obvious that the history of human resources is closely related to the history of women in the workforce during the past century or so, but given how long ago this time period was, it seems unlikely that this preconception would still be prevalent in the sector now.
About 80% of those pursuing postgraduate HRM degrees are women.
In stark contrast, only 9% of the workforce in a field like engineering is made up of women.
Instead of majoring in STEM fields, where women are underrepresented, the majority of graduates who enter the HR field typically have a background in disciplines that are more popular with women.
It is impossible to determine how much cultural variables influence our educational decisions.Only recently have we begun to completely grasp the significance of socialization in character formation.
It can be energizing to recall that in 1971, there were 13:2 more men than women who were regarded as having high mathematics talent than there are today.The ordinary woman hasn’t suddenly become much better at math, but our society is getting closer than ever to ensuring that all kids have equal access to education.
The overall opinion of the industry is another element that could potentially be crucial.
We all want to love our jobs and have the chance to advance.
Young women may well be lured to the field for this reason alone, but some young men may be turned off, as the gender gap in HR is a topic that is frequently discussed.A self-reinforcing and self-fulfilling prophecy would result from this.The opposite may also be true in other fields, like computer programming, where males predominate.