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Women in the Workforce: A Global Snapshot

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Handbook on Well-Being of Working Women

Part of the book series: International Handbooks of Quality-of-Life ((IHQL))

Abstract

This chapter looks at women in the workforce around the world. It provides global information as well as information on specific countries and regions. The literature, and statistics, presented suggest that women are improving their status in the workplace, but that they continue to face major challenges in all countries. The glass (or brick/cement in some countries) ceilings, walls and cliffs are found everywhere, and these affect women negatively in the workplace. Interestingly, the literature suggests that the challenges facing women in varying locations differ in degree, but not in kind – stereotypes are common and women’s role is seen primarily as caring for the family. A major concern for women seems to be work-family balance, and having a supportive family is often mentioned as critical to a successful career. The chapter provides suggestions for improving the workplace globally for women, as well as suggestions for needed research.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management Studies, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Cave Hill, Barbados

    Betty Jane Punnett Ph.D.

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  1. Betty Jane Punnett Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Betty Jane Punnett Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management College of Business Administration, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA

    Mary L. Connerley

  2. Department of Management and Marketing School of Management, Rhode Island College, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

    Jiyun Wu

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Punnett, B.J. (2016). Women in the Workforce: A Global Snapshot. In: Connerley, M., Wu, J. (eds) Handbook on Well-Being of Working Women. International Handbooks of Quality-of-Life. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9897-6_33

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9897-6_33

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-017-9896-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-017-9897-6

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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