“The exercise of power depends on access to certain types of resources, the capacity to reward or punish others, credentials of expertise, legitimacy of authority or position, being identified with or liked by others, and information.” (French & Raven, 1959/Lips, 2005)  The resources include such things as money, employment, education, status, legal rights, and physical health and strength, which men have more access and control over.  Women’s efforts to increase their share of these resources are regarded as violating norms. 

What causes many women to be so convinced that this system of authority is beneficial for all parties?  Why are women not more supportive of women leaders who stand up with their views, in the name of equality, facing contrary male behaviors?

Psychological theorists surmise that direct, competent tactics of power and influence such as men typically employ, have long been suppressed for women.  Women are still considered  “unfeminine” by men and, consequently by other women, if they behave outside certain expected roles.  Hence, women have honed their indirect influence abilities and may imagine themselves at a loss to operate without those.  Women wrongly assume that keeping things friendly and using gentle persuasive tactical approaches, works best.  The “let him think it was his idea” approach.  The problem is it’s a short-term solution. 

When the source of influence is masked or less obvious, the person wielding the influence is not recognized.  This sets up a pattern for women that continues to cause subordinate positions over years, over decades, and on – until we women change that pattern. 

I can only imagine that fear of loss of what we’re familiar with, stands behind some of the lack of support for Hillary Clinton as President, for example.  I’ve heard women say, “I don’t like her” or “I hate her.”  I don’t hear them saying those kinds of comments about her opponent.  Hillary is often judged for her appearance and her emotions rather than her views.  No matter how you vote in this election, the point is that Hillary is a strong woman and certainly an admirable leader. 

Isn’t it time for women to give up their fears, rely on the competence they’ve gained and support their own and other women’s rights to express their power in politics, in the community, or wherever they live or work?

Tags: women empowerment, women leaders, women support each other

This entry was posted on Friday, February 1st, 2008 at 3:32 pm and is filed under Personal and Professional Growth, Relationships. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.