Gender
This chapter explores the way that gender influences and blocks ambition. Despite recent progress, women still are grossly underrepresented at the top and overrepresented at the bottom in measures of power and economic reward. In explaining these disparities, research suggests that while women may be more ambivalent about ambition than men and ambitious for somewhat different things, the primary explanation for their different achievements lies elsewhere: in gender bias, stereotypes, and socialization patterns; and in inequalities in family responsibilities and inadequacies in workplace policies. Discussion focuses on the special obstacles to ambition for women of color, women leaders, and women politicians. Gender differences in mentors, sponsors, and allies and in the incidence of sexual harassment and online abuse compound the problems. These inequalities are not only unjust for individuals, but they also impair organizational performance. The chapter closes with strategies for ambitious women and for organizations seeking greater equity, diversity, and inclusion.