The Glass Ceiling: A Look at Women in the Workforce

Considers women in the workforce throughout history and the development of a "glass ceiling" that keeps them from rising to high levels in many corporations

Grade 8 Up-Weiss offers an extremely readable, evenhanded examination of the problems that women have experienced and their potential in the workplace. Along the way, she also provides a brief overview of women's history as well as anecdotal evidence about today's work environment and challenges. The author takes care to present varying viewpoints and seeks to engage readers in evaluating the evidence for and against the existence of a "glass ceiling." As a result, her book is an interesting, well-paced, and informative resource. Extensive notes for each chapter and an eclectic, up-to-date list of suggestions for further reading are useful additions. Chapter titles and subheadings printed in red make the material easy to browse and appealing to general readers. Weiss's extensive research, thoughtful presentation, and broad scope combine to create a top-notch introduction to a topic of ongoing importance.
Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In 1998 when Avon was shopping around for a new CEO, it passed over three of its own female next-in-line executives to hire a man--a man from outside the company, whose expertise was in a different retail sector and a different product line. That story is the central cautionary tale in Weiss' look at opportunities for working women. Writing in a lively journalistic style and peppering her text with stories of real people on the job, she has tailored a fully footnoted book that is as enjoyable to read as it is helpful for research. The first third looks at our past, from prehistoric societies through the mythic happy homemaker of the mid-twentieth century. Then starting with the dawn of the women's movement, Weiss chronicles the development of today's work environment. Her focus is on opportunity and economics, but she also touches on related issues of sexual harassment, Title IX, and child care as well as potential solutions such as telecommuting and job sharing. Notes; recommended reading. Randy Meyer