... but real women can still get ahead
A wider role in the home is often incompatible with being a breadwinner . Glenda Cooper on the latest research
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The 1980s "Working Girl" image is out of date, with women no longer having to resort to adopting male characteristics to get ahead at work.
In the past it has been thought that the women who did best were those who employed masculine qualities such as assertiveness, aggression and dominance.
By doing this it was thought they were more valued by others and in their own eyes than their sisters who were seen as more traditionally feminine.
But Sara Paterson, psychologist at the University of Westminster, told the British Psychological Society's Women and Psychology Conference in Loughborough her study of 50 women in a variety of profession - including computer programmers, physiotherapists and chefs - showed that women who were characterised by more feminine qualities, such as empathy, friendliness and compassion, did just as well at work and valued themselves as highly.
Ms Paterson said she was thrilled by the findings.
"Now women can be seen as powerful women while still acknowledging their femininity."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments