Ep 31. Women Thought Leaders: Joan Williams

To the Contrary is a show that focuses on women's issues and features a panel of female journalists discussing current events related to women. In season 26, episode 31, the show showcases Women Thought Leaders, featuring Joan Williams.

Joan Williams is a law professor and the director of the Center for WorkLife Law at the University of California, Hastings. She has written extensively on issues related to gender, race, and class in the workplace. In this episode, the panel discusses her work and her thoughts on the challenges facing women in the workplace today.

One of Williams' most notable contributions to the conversation around work and gender is her concept of "the glass escalator." This refers to the phenomenon of men in traditionally female-dominated professions rising to positions of leadership at a higher rate than their female counterparts. Williams argues that this is due to the perception that men in these roles are more competent or have more potential for leadership than women.

The panel also discusses Williams' work on implicit bias, which refers to the unconscious biases that people hold that can affect their decision making. For example, studies have shown that women are often judged more harshly than men for similar behaviors in the workplace, such as assertiveness. By raising awareness about these biases, Williams hopes to help employers create more equitable workplaces.

Additionally, the panel discusses Williams' advocacy for policies such as paid family leave and affordable childcare. She believes that these policies are crucial for ensuring that women can participate fully in the workforce and achieve their goals.

Overall, this episode provides a thought-provoking discussion of the challenges facing women in the workplace and the work of one of the leading thinkers on these issues. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in gender equality in the workplace.