"The mismeasurement of women"

[SemiCharmedQuark]

There is a great book, which you've probably heard of, called "the mismeasurement of women". It talks about women being forced to look a certain way to get ahead. Today we saw the "women are responsible for the fashions they hate because they wear them". Further we have the "women don't have to work in those industries" argument.

But...the industries that you have to dress up for are all the high powered industries. If you want to get ahead in any industry, you sure as hell better wear makeup and heels.

I can only go by what my mom has taught me, as I haven't entered the workforce yet really...only low level part time service industry stuff. What are your experiences?

[eridani]

1. Much less of a problem if you do geeky science and engineering things

Dress codes far looser for both sexes in technical fields, unless you want to do sales or management.

[Nikia]

2. Well, I have to wear a uniform where I currently work

I am always torn on what to wear to the job interviews. I have been applying to quality management positions in food processing industry. For my last interview, I wore dress pants and a button up shirt. I did wear make up, but still looked a little on the butch side. Even though more women are getting hired with affirmative action, the food processing industry is still male dominated. When I wore dresses to the job interviews, I got questions and comments that implied that I was weak or wouldn't want to get dirty. A couple times, I felt that I was being checked out during the intreview. I didn't get hired for the last job I interviewed for, but I felt more comfortable and didn't feel that they were judgung me as a woman as much.
I have considered going into science instead. I held a temp job at a company doing product development research. The female scientists and engineers all wore pants and low heals. Some wore light make up, while some didn't. All the female administrative assistants and women from business oriented departments wore dresses, heels, and lots of make up.
I think that when you work in a male dominated field that it is better to dress less feminine. Of course, they are aware that you are female no matter what you wear, but drawing attention to your femaleness seems to hurt more than it helps in having them treat you as an equal. I am not really sure how dressing extra female helps female business professionals. Do they really get ahead by using their sex appeal? I do support their right to dress if they wish, but if that gives them an advantage for this reason, that is really sad.